The Detroit Lions have a strong history of scooping up undrafted free agents who make the initial 53-man regular-season roster as rookies. Last year, cornerback Steven Gilmore made the cut, with fellow UDFA Trevor Nowaske quickly moving up to the 53-man roster off the practice squad, too.
They joined several notables over recent seasons, including CB Jerry Jacobs, DT Demetrius Taylor and TE Brock Wright, who were on the Week 1 roster for the Lions as rookie UDFAs.
A couple of early contenders have already fallen by the wayside after rookie minicamp, OTAs and minicamp, notably K James Turner (now with the Packers) and LB Steele Chambers (Patriots).
Strickland is hoping to make the jump from Ball State, and D-II University of Indianapolis before that, as a playmaking safety. Known as “Hit Stick” in college for his ability to deliver huge licks, the compactly built Strickland will need to show a lot more instinctive play and range and in coverage than he did in the spring if he’s to stick on the practice squad.
Ukwu signed as an athletically gifted developmental project signed by Detroit after transferring to Ole Miss from James Madison. The tools were visible during rookie minicamp, but he’s looking up at a lot of players on the depth chart, including another UDFA.
The wideout from Duke faces pretty long odds to make the 53-man roster as a slot receiver and return specialist, but he does have practice squad potential and upside. Caloun did make a couple of really nice catches during minicamp.
