Lions 2019 UDRFA info

[D6]

Massive OT Ryan Pope among 13 UDFAs signed by Lions heading into rookie minicamp

Ryan Pope (San Diego State) was among 13 undrafted free agents signed by the Lions ahead of their rookie minicamp, which opens today. The others: Tight end Nate Becker (Miami, Ohio), guard Beau Benzschawel (Wisconsin), linebacker Malik Carney (North Carolina), WR Jonathan Duhart (Old Dominion), linebacker Tre Lamar (Clemson), safety C.J. Moore (Mississippi), offensive tackle Matt Nelson (Iowa), tight end Donald Parham (Stetson), linebacker Anthony Pittman (Wayne State), defensive tackle Ray Smith (Boston College), guard Micah St. Andrew (Fresno State) and defensive tackle Kevin Strong (Texas San-Antonio).


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In the days, weeks, and months leading up to training camp, I plan on starting threads for at least some of the Lions 2019 UDRFAs.

Of the Lions UDRFAs, the ones that jump out are T Ryan Pope, G Beau Benzschawel, TE Donald Parham, LB Malik Carney, and LB Tre Lamar. I'm surprised that none of tbe 5 players were drafted. Parham probably will have to go the Practice Squad route, unless claimed off waivers, because of the high number of TE candidates for roster spots currently with the Lions.

[papajoe]

David - I agree with your list of UFRDA’s that “jump out”. A couple of others I’m interested in watching/following are Micah St. Andrew and Ray Smith.
St. Andrew has shown great durability; he had 43 straight starts, MOSTLY AT RG and has shown versatility by playing the center position as well.
Ray Smith, while a little smaller than Quinn & Patricia prefer, has a couple of years experience playing under Lions’ DC, Paul Pasqualoni.


Joe

[D6]

Meet the Detroit Lions' class of undrafted rookie free agents


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Joe, of the two Lions UDRFAs you mentioned, Micah St.Andrew appears to have a better chance of being on the Lions opening day roster. Because the Lions have uncertainty regarding the starting RG position and interior O-Line depth, St.Andrew made a good decision signing with the Lions. His starting experience on the college level is indeed a major positive.

Ray Smith had an impressive Pro Day. Whether he can overcome below average height and arm length are questions that jump out about his chances of beating the odds with the Lions as an UDRFA?

[D6]

Lions sign former pro lacrosse player, 1 other after rookie minicamp

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With the log jam the Lions have at TE, the release of Donald Parham and Nate Becker probably gives them a better opportunity to establish themselves in the NFL.

Bryant University ( in Rhode Island ) used to be Bryant College and where the New England Patriots held Training Camp for many years. The school is close to Providence, RI and not that far from Foxboro, MA.

[papajoe]

David - Totally agree with you about Micah St. Andrew having better odds of making the Lions’ season opening roster than Ray Smith.
Smith’s size is definitely a big concern and the odds of him making the roster are pretty slim; but I like his grit & tenacity. He was a stalwart on Boston College’s defensive line, despite his smaller stature.


Joe

[D6]

Joe, one thing for sure, many players with physical limitations have overcome long odds.

It wouldn't surprise me if Ray Smith eventually becomes a backup rotation DT with an NFL team that depends more on speed and quickness than size. Much like the Lions did under Rob Marinelli, Gunther Cunningham ( RIP ), and Teryl Austin.

[D6]

Also on Monday, the Lions signed undrafted linebacker Juwon Young and released linebacker Tre’ Williams to make room. Y

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Several more Lions roster moves involving UDFRAs and other Street FAs are likely in the months leading up to training camp.

[D6]

Detroit Lions streak of 9 years with UDFA on Week 1 roster at risk as cut day looms

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Going into the pre-season finale at Cleveland, the Lions 2019 UDRFAs I think have the best chance of surviving the cutdown to 53 are, in order:

Kevin Strong, Beau Benzschawel, Malik Carney, C.J. Moore, Tom Kennedy, and Jonathan Duhart.

[D6]

www.mlive.com/lions/2019/09/lions-offensive-line-coach-udfa-beau-benzschawel-isnt-anywhere-close-to-his-ceiling.html

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It's a credit to Bob Quinn, the Lions college scouts / staff, and coaches that 3 UDRFAs displayed enough to be on the Lions 53 man roster 6 days before the start of the regular season.  Not to mention the efforts of the 3 players.


I heard something along these lines on NFL Sirius Radio today that 51 UDRFAs were on NFL 53 man rosters today. Taking out the individual UDRFA and his situation, the typical UDRFA who was on a 90 man Training Camp roster for a few weeks in 2019 would have had at most a 10 % chance of being on an NFL 53 man today ( Labor Day ).