Detroit Lions Made Notable Financial Investment to Land Promising Rookie WR Jackson Meeks

The Detroit Lions made some bold moves to boost their offensive firepower during and after the 2025 NFL Draft. In addition to trading up in the third round to select a high-potential wide receiver, they also invested in undrafted talent, particularly by signing standout wide receiver Jackson Meeks.

Jackson Meeks Brings Upside and Potential

Jackson Meeks, who impressed scouts with a breakout year at Syracuse, was among the top undrafted free agents following the draft. After transferring from Georgia in search of more playing time, Meeks thrived at Syracuse, posting over 1,000 receiving yards on 71 catches and finding the end zone seven times.

Colton Pouncy of The Athletic pointed out the Lions’ continued interest in Georgia talent, as Meeks once played for the Bulldogs before linking back up with former Georgia assistant Fran Brown at Syracuse. Though Meeks lacks elite speed—he clocked a 4.64-second 40-yard dash—his ability to win contested catches set him apart. He ranked second in the FBS in that category.

Recognizing his potential, the Lions offered Meeks $200,000 in guaranteed money—an unusually high figure for an undrafted rookie, reflecting their belief in his upside. Notably, Meeks is also the nephew of veteran NFL defender Za’Darius Smith.

Jared Goff Gets More Offensive Weapons

Detroit also added multiple receivers through the draft and free agency. They moved up to take Arkansas wideout Isaac TeSlaa in the third round, picked Georgia’s Dominic Lovett in the seventh, and signed UMass product Jakobie Keeney-James after the draft.

Tight end Caden Prieskorn from Ole Miss also joined the team as an undrafted free agent. At 6’6” and 246 pounds, he brings size and strong hands, although his age (turning 26 this year) and limited athleticism kept him from being drafted. Dane Brugler of The Athletic had given him a seventh-round projection.

The Lions have a track record of finding undrafted gems—such as tight end Brock Wright, who made the roster in 2021 and became a regular contributor with nearly 60 games under his belt.

Meanwhile, the team made room by cutting wide receiver Antoine Green. A seventh-round pick in a previous draft, Green missed all of 2024 with a concussion and was recently released despite being re-signed earlier this offseason.