Undrafted free agents: Joique Bell, RB; George Winn, RB; Zach Zenner, RB; Lance Moore, WR; Ryan Spadola, WR; Tim Wright, TE; Jordan Thompson, TE; Casey Pierce, TE; Darren Keyton, OL; Michael Ola, RT; LaAdrian Waddle, RT; Cornelius Lucas, RT; Tyrus Thompson, OL, Braxston Cave, OL; Kerry Hyder, DT; Jermelle Cudjo, DT; Tyrunn Walker, DT; Josh Bynes, LB; Brandon Copeland, LB; Isa Abdul-Quddus, S; James Ihedigbo, S; Isaiah Johnson, S; Matt Prater, K; Don Muhlbach, LS.
Starts: Matt Prater (12); Josh Bynes (7); James Ihedigbo (7); LaAdrian Waddle (6); Joique Bell (5); Isa Abdul-Quddus (5); Lance Moore (5); Tyrunn Walker (4); Michael Ola (3); Cornelius Lucas (3); Tim Wright (1); Zach Zenner (1).
Highlights: The Detroit Lions have gotten good use out of undrafted free agents throughout this season. Every start made at right tackle this year has been by an UDFA -- two that the Lions drafted, Waddle and Lucas, and one they signed off the waiver wire, Ola. It is the same at strong safety, where Abdul-Quddus has taken over for Ihedigbo. Of the UDFA players the Lions have cultivated over the years, Zenner looks like a promising running back for the future when he returns in 2016 from his season-ending injuries and Muhlbach is one of the best long-snappers in the league. Bell also found his most productive seasons -- although not 2015 -- with Detroit after bouncing around early in his career.
One of the best UDFA signings for the Lions, though, came off Baltimore’s practice squad. Bynes has become Detroit’s most dependable linebacker and is second to Stephen Tulloch in tackles for Detroit this season. At one point this year, he was also an every down backer for Detroit. Walker was turning into a great free agent signing from New Orleans (nine tackles) before he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in Week 4. Walker signed a one-year deal with the Lions last offseason and as long as his rehab is going well, he would be worth re-signing for Detroit depending on the team’s 2016 scheme.
Ola has been a strong signing for the Lions, especially since neither Waddle or Lucas were playing well this season. He offered stability on the right side and protection for Matthew Stafford and the running backs. When Ola has been in the game, the Lions' offense has produced. When he’s been out, it has been a struggle.
