The Detroit Lions embraced competition by initially agreeing to terms with 15 undrafted free agents after selecting six players in the 2024 NFL Draft. Former Florida interior offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun was a big-time signing for general manager Brad Holmes. Eguakun possesses the skill set and pathway required to make the Lions’ 53-man roster.
The Lions used their final pick (a sixth-rounder) on Boston College guard Christian Mahogany. Not satisfied with their interior offensive line acquisitions, Holmes signed three centers in undrafted free agency. Eguakun was their main target, as Holmes gave him a contract that contained $245,000 in total guarantees, according to reports. That makes Eguakun one of the highest-paid UDFAs in the entire league, increasing his chances to make the team.
Eguakun is a strong prospect with the base and leverage necessary to combat a variety of skill sets at the point of attack. He's an experienced prospect with 30 career starts in the SEC and 42 total appearances. Eguakun was credited with allowing zero sacks in 901 career pass protection reps.
Eguakun missed the majority of the 2023 campaign with injury, which could have contributed to him going undrafted. However, he recovered in time to enjoy a productive week of practice at this year's Senior Bowl. He routinely held his own throughout one-on-one reps in Mobile.
Egukaun also put forth an impressive pre-draft workout. The Jacksonville native had a 32-inch vertical and 9-foot-1 broad jump. He also ran a 4.51 shuttle and 7.57 three-cone. The results led Eguakun to capture a 9.09 Relative Athletic Score, though an official 40-yard dash time was notably absent.
Kingsley Eguakun is a OG prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 9.09 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 139 out of 1523 OG from 1987 to 2024.https://t.co/azEl4yPQSe pic.twitter.com/VEqAY1W792
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 30, 2024
The Lions have one of the best offensive line units in the NFL and continuity is present throughout. From left to right, Taylor Decker, Graham Glasgow, Frank Ragnow, Kevin Zeitler, and Penei Sewell project as their 2024 starters. The lone change sees Zeitler replacing Jonah Jackson, who signed a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.
While there are little-to-no questions present over the starting five, the depth leaves something to be desired. Eguakun and two other undrafted free agents are jockeying for the backup center position behind Ragnow, a three-time Pro Bowler. Eguakun possesses the upper hand in that competition based on compensation and overall profile/reputation coming out of the draft.
Other interior depth players on the roster include Kayode Awosika, Matt Farniok, Netane Muti, and Colby Sorsdal. Awosika and Farniok have been on-again-off-again members of the roster, Muti signed a reserves/future contract, and Sorsdal is a sophomore fifth-rounder. Mahogany is probably the lone interior backup that's guaranteed a roster spot. That bodes well for Eguakun.
The Lions will hold a competition for backup interior offensive line spots. Holmes offered Eguakun a significant amount of guaranteed money to lure him to Detroit. Eguakun should make the 53-man roster in a supporting role.
Other Lions undrafted free agents worth monitoring throughout the summer include wide receiver Isaiah Williams (who received $240,000 guaranteed), center Bryan Hudson, and linebacker Steele Chambers.
