Lions Invest Heavily in Promising Undrafted Rookie Wide Receiver
The Detroit Lions focused on upgrading their offense in this year’s NFL Draft, making aggressive moves—including trading up in the third round—to secure top-tier talent at wide receiver. But their efforts didn’t stop there. Following the draft, the team made a notable financial move to sign Jackson Meeks, a standout wide receiver from Syracuse who went undrafted but drew strong interest around the league.
Jackson Meeks Could Earn a Roster Spot
According to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, Detroit’s post-draft signing of Meeks continues their trend of targeting former Georgia Bulldogs. Meeks transferred to Syracuse for his final season and broke out in a big way, catching 71 passes for over 1,000 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
Though Meeks isn’t considered a top-tier athlete—he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash—his toughness and ability to win contested catches stand out. He ranked second in the nation with 21 contested grabs, making him an intriguing addition. The Lions reportedly gave him a $200,000 guaranteed contract, showing how highly they value him. Adding to his backstory, Meeks is also the nephew of Lions edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Building Around Jared Goff
Detroit’s offensive reinforcements didn’t end with Meeks. The team used a third-round pick on Arkansas wideout Isaac TeSlaa and a seventh-rounder on Georgia’s Dominic Lovett. They also picked up UMass receiver Jakobie Keeney-James and Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn as undrafted free agents.
Prieskorn, who received a seventh-round grade from draft analyst Dane Brugler, stands at 6-foot-6 and 246 pounds. Though not the most agile player and considered older at 25, his size and dependable hands could help him stick with the team.
The Lions have a history of finding value in undrafted players—tight end Brock Wright being a recent example—so Meeks and others may have a real shot at making the 53-man roster.
Roster Moves Continue
In a corresponding move, the Lions released wide receiver Antoine Green, a 2023 seventh-round pick who missed all of last season due to a concussion. Though he was re-signed to a reserve/future deal earlier this year, he was waived following the draft.