Detroit Lions fans project which UDFA rookie has best chance to impact roster

Earlier this week, we published our latest SB Nation Reacts survey, sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook. We asked Detroit Lions fans which UDFA is most likely to make an impact on the Lions roster in 2026.

For this week’s question, we provided fans five options—QB Luke Altmyer, TE Miles Kitselman, EDGE Anthony Lucas, DT Aidan Keanaaina, and LB Erick Hunter—to choose from, while also allowing them an “other” option in case they felt strongly about an under-the-radar candidate.

Let’s take a look at the results from our survey:

People love to breathe hope into pass rushers like Anthony Lucas, but there may be more fire in this smoke than originally thought, based on early assessments from OTAs and minicamp. While the Lions are likely set amongst their first three edge options—Aidan Hutchinson, Derrick Moore, and DJ Wonnum—presumed EDGE4 Payton Turner has struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, and with Ahmed Hassanein shifting to the Big End, Lucas could be next in line for a contributing role.

Kitselman was my personal choice immediately following the draft, and he has reportedly already climbed the depth chart enough that he should enter training camp in a. presummed TE4 role.

Let’s take a look at the comment section of our original article to get fans’ explanations for their selections (slightly edited for clarity).

• Guaransheed: “Anthony Lucas- Lions coaching staff likes his ideal NFL DE size and his potential. I think he beats out the other bubble guys and makes the final 53.”
• Gonzalezq: “To this point in his football-playing career, Lucas has been an ‘if only’ player, as in ‘if only he could translate his outstanding potential into production on the field, he would be a very good player’. Given that that is at least partially true, I would slow my roll on singing Lucas’ praises until he plays well in pre-season games.”
• GetthoseDSacks: “Went with Kitselman; it wouldn’t surprise me to see him make the roster as TE4. Four tight ends are generally desirable to run the 13 sets that we know Petzing likes to use. Of course, he’ll have to both show some Special Teams ability and beat out Gordon, Horton, and apparently Meeks for the job.”
• sprtn: “I went with Aidan Keanaaina. With his size, he could easily be in the NT rotation just on size alone. It can’t hurt; he got the most guaranteed money of any UDFA.”

As a reminder, this survey was sponsored by the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook, who currently have the Lions listed as +1700 to win this year’s Super Bowl, +850 to win the NFC Championship, and +145 to win the NFC North as the current favorites.

Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Detroit Lions fans and fans across the country. If you want to get these surveys emailed to you weekly, you can sign up here.