ALLEN PARK — Before rookie minicamp begins, the Detroit Lions have signed 15 undrafted free agents and four of their draft selections.
The team’s fourth-round selections, offensive tackle Giovanni Manu and running back Sione Vaki, as well as their sixth-round selections, offensive guard Christian Mahogany and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo, have already signed contracts. Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., cornerbacks, are now unsigned. However, rookies frequently report for minicamp without signed contracts (see Jack Campbell and others from previous year).
Not to add to the anxiety of those waiting for rookie numbers, the team also revealed those on Friday morning. Rakestraw Jr. will go with No. 15, while Arnold will go with No. 0. These are the two notable selections.
In addition, the Lions signed fifteen undrafted free agents before playing their first game with rookies. Leading those UDFAs are receiver Isaiah Williams (Illinois), who signed a reported $240,000 guaranteed contract, and center Kingsley Eguakun (Florida), who received $245,000.
Linebacker DaRon Gilbert (Northern Illinois), safety Chelen Garnes (Wake Forest), offensive lineman Duke Clemens (UCLA), receiving Jalon Calhoun (Duke), long snapper Hogan Hatten (Idaho), offensive lineman Bryan Hudson (Louisville), outside linebacker Nate Lynn (William & Mary), cornerback Morice Norris Jr. (Fresno State), tight end Isaac Rex (BYU), safety Loren Strickland (Ball State), outside linebacker Isaac Ukwu (Ole Miss), and kicker James Turner (kicker) are among those who have signed to participate in minicamp.
Numbers are in 👀 pic.twitter.com/rB5AVXXCZd
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 10, 2024
Furthermore, for personal reasons, Lions head coach Dan Campbell will not be present at Friday’s rookie minicamp. With rookies experiencing their first taste of an NFL practice setting, it is unclear who will take charge of the on-field session.