Breaking down the Detroit Lions 2025 UDFA class

Taking a closer look at what the Detroit Lions are getting in their 2025 undrafted free agent rookie class.

In addition to the seven selected players in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have also reportedly added another 11 rookies to their roster from the undrafted free agent (UDFA) market.

This year’s UDFA class comes in twos. Amongst this class, Lions general manager Brad Holmes targeted a pair of running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, and defensive backs.

This doubled-up dart-throwing approach matches what we saw from Holmes last offseason, as the roster becomes more complete and needs become more specific. Despite the roster filling up with talent, this approach worked in 2024, as two UDFAs made the initial roster, four saw playing time during the regular season, and seven were retained on this year’s 90-man roster.

Kye Robichaux, RB, Boston College

5-foot-11 1*⁄2, 209 pounds*

After two seasons at Western Kentucky (four starts over 22 games), Robichaux transferred to Boston College and started 18 of his final 24 collegiate games, producing 1,524 rushing yards on 338 carries (4.5 YPC) and 18 touchdowns.

Strengths

• Relentless downhill runner who brings power to contact
• Reliable, versatile option in short yardage/goal line scenarios (six of seven touchdowns last season were within the 5-yard line)
• NFL-level contact balance and vision to find holes in the line
• Effective pass catcher with reliable hands (24 catches for 152 yards and a TD in 2024)
• Above-average pass-blocking, both in effort and technique

Weaknesses

• Provides value in committee but not as an RB1
• Limited explosive play ability and top speed
• Runs to contact, which further slows him down and limits YAC

Anthony Tyus, RB, Ohio

6-foot-1, 220 pounds

A Portage, Michigan native, Tyus spent three seasons at Northwestern (one start over 31 games) before transferring to Ohio as a senior and starting 13 games, registering 1,215 rushing yards on 237 carries (5.1 YPC) and nine touchdowns.

Strengths

• 1-cut, powerful downhill banger
• Smoother change of direction than you’d expect for a bigger back
• Adequate burst forward with some shake to get outside when holes are clogged
• Physical blocker in all phases
• Decent hands, tracks the ball well (16 receptions for 137 yards and two TDs in 2024)

Weaknesses

• Runs too high, making him a large target for defenders
• Moderate long speed (think David Montgomery-esque)

Jackson Meeks, WR, Syracuse

6-foot-2, 213 pounds
Contract guarantees: $20,000 signing bonus and $180,000 of his base salary (source)

After three seasons of playing a reserve role at Georgia (no starts over 36 games), Meeks transferred to Syracuse as a senior and stepped into a starting role. He played predominantly on the outside at Syracuse and secured 78 catches for 1,021 receiving yards over 13 games. While he didn’t play specifically at one spot in college, Meeks has the frame for the WR-X role, which is where he will likely compete in Detroit.

Strengths:...