It's been a productive offseason for the Detroit Lions as the team hopes to finally reach a Super Bowl in 2025.
The team wasn't super active in free agency, but a couple of the team's moves should pay immediate dividends. D.J. Reed is a veteran corner who should be a productive starter, and the team was also smart to keep defenders Levi Onwuzurike, Marcus Davenport, and Derrick Barnes in town.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the team added another few players who should play big roles in 2025. Defensive lineman Tyleik Williams was taken in the first round, while big offensive lineman Tate Ratledge was selected in the second round.
The team selected some other players like Isaac TeSlaa and Dan Jackson who could also compete for playing time immediately. After the draft, though, the team added several undrafted free agents, and a couple of those players are intriguing as well.
Today, let's identify the three undrafted free agents who have the best shot of cracking the Lions' final 53-man roster.
Jackson Meeks, WR, Syracuse
Jackson Meeks is an intriguing wide receiver prospect out of Syracuse who easily could have been drafted.
The receiver transferred to Syracuse after spending three seasons at Georgia and not getting much playing time. Meeks responded to the larger role by catching 78 passes for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns. Meeks earned the second-highest Pro Football Focus grade among all receivers in the ACC for his performance.
In Detroit, the top of the receiver room is set, but there's room for a player like Meeks to sneak on the roster. Meeks is another big-bodied receiving threat who can help in the red zone.
Zach Horton, TE, Indiana
Zach Horton is another pass-catcher who could carve out a role in Detroit this summer.
The tight end spent his first two collegiate seasons at James Madison before transferring to Indiana for the 2024 campaign. Horton caught 21 passes for 189 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games with the Hoosiers.
Horton is a solid pass-catching option who also holds his own as a blocker. Behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, it wouldn't be surprising to see Horton snag the final tight end spot.
Anthony Tyus III, RB, Ohio
Anthony Tyus III was extremely productive at Ohio in 2024 and surprisingly went undrafted.
The running back rushed for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024 and also caught 16 passes for 137 yards and two scores. The Ohio product is shifty and has solid vision, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him land a depth running back spot.
Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds will be on the roster, but Tyus could realistically overtake Sione Vaki.