The Detroit Lions have always been known for their ability to find talent in the later rounds of the NFL draft. However, sometimes the best players are the ones who go undrafted. In 2018, the Lions signed a few undrafted free agents who made an immediate impact on the team. Let's take a closer look at these players and what they brought to the Lions.
The Standouts
Kerryon Johnson
Kerryon Johnson was a standout running back at Auburn University, but he surprisingly went undrafted in 2018. The Lions quickly scooped him up and he went on to have a great rookie season. Johnson rushed for 641 yards and three touchdowns in just 10 games before being sidelined with an injury. He showed great promise and became a fan favorite in Detroit.
Brandon Powell
Brandon Powell was a speedy wide receiver out of the University of Florida who caught the attention of the Lions during training camp. He made the team as an undrafted free agent and went on to play in six games for the Lions. Powell showed flashes of his potential, catching six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown. He was later signed to the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad.
The Role Players
Deontez Alexander
Deontez Alexander was a wide receiver out of Franklin College who signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. He spent most of the season on the practice squad, but was later promoted to the active roster. Alexander played in two games for the Lions, catching one pass for 11 yards. He was waived by the team in 2019.
Mike Ford
Mike Ford was a cornerback out of Southeast Missouri State who signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. He played in 15 games for the Lions, starting in three of them. Ford recorded 32 tackles, one interception, and one forced fumble during his rookie season. He continued to be a solid contributor for the Lions in 2019 and 2020.
The Misses
Trevor Bates
Trevor Bates was a linebacker out of Maine who signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. He played in nine games for the team, mostly on special teams. However, Bates was arrested in 2019 for assaulting a police officer and was subsequently released by the Lions. He has not played in the NFL since.
Beau Nunn
Beau Nunn was an offensive tackle out of Appalachian State who signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. He was waived during the preseason and later signed with the XFL's Dallas Renegades. Nunn did not play in the NFL during his career.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have had a mixed track record when it comes to signing undrafted free agents. However, the 2018 class showed that sometimes the best players can slip through the cracks. Kerryon Johnson and Brandon Powell both made an impact on the team, while Mike Ford continues to be a solid contributor. Although Trevor Bates and Beau Nunn did not pan out, the Lions will continue to scour the undrafted free agent market for hidden gems.
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