Detroit Lions DB Starling Thomas Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Can UDFA earn a spot on Lions roster?

By Curt Steele | Last updated 6/21/23

The Detroit Lions have a skilled roster on offense and defense, posing a challenge for any undrafted free agent to make the final 53-man roster. The UDFA with the best chance to stick around may be Starling Thomas, a cornerback from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

During the team's minicamp and OTAs, head coach Dan Campbell commended Thomas for his play. This progress can be attributed, in part, to the presence of experienced veterans in Detroit's secondary.

Specifically, Thomas had the opportunity to learn during OTAs from Cam Sutton, the former Steeler who signed with Detroit in the offseason.

Dan Campbell just mentioned CB Starling Thomas as a player who has stood out with their improvement this offseason. This morning, I wrote about the undrafted rookie, who is learning under the wing of Cam Sutton: https://t.co/U89c3Pr6R0
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) June 8, 2023

Thomas had only three interceptions in college, but he posted a career-high of 15 passes defended during his senior year. He sat out the 2020 season with an ACL injury suffered in 2019.

Thomas, who joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent this spring, showed off impressive skills during Detroit's offseason training. He's fast, with a 40-yard dash time of 4.37 seconds, and has shown a natural ability to make plays on the ball during offseason training.

INT ➡️ @starling__4 #NFL #LetsWinTogether pic.twitter.com/B8UDie5m4W
— Just Win Management Group (@JustWinMGMT) June 8, 2023

Thomas has out-shined and out-played several more experienced cornerbacks this spring. Lions beat writer Brad Berreman from SideLion Report listed Thomas above second-year player Chase Lucas on a post-minicamp Lions depth chart. Notably, three veteran corners --Saivion Smith, Jarren Williams and Khalil Dorsey -- did not make the cut.

Thomas can solidify his spot on the Lions roster if he maintains his performance during training camp. He could join veteran Jerry Jacobs, also an undrafted free agent, in Detroit's revamped secondary.

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