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GOOD NEWS: Detroit Lions Invest Heavily in Undrafted WR Jackson Meeks
The Detroit Lions weren’t finished building their offensive arsenal after the 2024 NFL Draft. While they made noise by trading up in the third round to secure a top wideout and adding further offensive firepower later on, the team continued making bold moves even after the draft concluded.
One of those post-draft moves was the aggressive signing of undrafted wide receiver Jackson Meeks. Meeks had a standout year at Syracuse, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards and becoming a name to watch among NFL scouts.
Meeks Impresses After Transfer, Eyes Lions Roster Spot
Colton Pouncy of The Athletic highlighted that Detroit has a track record of uncovering talent from Georgia, and Meeks fits that mold. Initially a Georgia Bulldog, Meeks transferred to Syracuse ahead of the 2024 campaign in search of more playing time. Under the guidance of former Georgia assistant Fran Brown, Meeks had his most productive season, hauling in 71 catches for over 1,000 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
Despite not being known for elite athleticism—he clocked a 4.64-second 40-yard dash—Meeks made his mark with toughness and reliability, finishing second in the FBS in contested catches with 21. The Lions saw enough value in him to offer a $200,000 guarantee, an unusually high amount for an undrafted rookie. Another interesting detail: Meeks is the nephew of veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith.
Detroit Rounds Out Receiving Corps and Tight End Depth
In the draft, the Lions made moves to boost their pass-catching unit by selecting Arkansas wideout Isaac TeSlaa in the third round and Georgia’s Dominic Lovett in the seventh. Post-draft, they also signed UMass receiver Jakobie Keeney-James.
Another undrafted player generating buzz is Ole Miss tight end Caden Prieskorn. Despite being an older prospect—he’ll turn 26 in September—Prieskorn offers good size (6-foot-6, 246 pounds), reliable hands, and physicality in contested situations. Though lacking in athletic explosiveness, he had received a seventh-round grade from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
Detroit has a strong track record of developing undrafted free agents. Tight end Brock Wright is a recent example, making the 2021 roster and logging nearly 60 games since.
Lions Make Room by Cutting Antoine Green
To clear space on the roster, the team released wide receiver Antoine Green, a former seventh-round pick. Green had missed all of 2024 due to a preseason concussion and was let go with an injury designation after being briefly re-signed to a reserve deal earlier in the year.