After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, Arizona State center Leif Fautanu has signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent. The Lions wasted no time adding Fautanu to their roster, aiming to bolster the depth and competition along their offensive line.
Fautanu brings an impressive resume from his college career. Over five seasons, he played 3,598 snaps — the second-most among active FBS centers — and started 51 consecutive games. His consistency and durability were standout traits that made him a valuable asset for the Sun Devils. In his final season, he posted an 81.3 pass-blocking grade, ranking him 18th nationally among FBS centers with at least 400 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Fautanu’s journey to the NFL reflects perseverance and hard work. After initially playing for UNLV, he transferred to Arizona State, where he became a key leader on the offensive line. His leadership and experience helped anchor a young Sun Devils offense through a rebuilding year, making him an attractive candidate for NFL teams seeking reliable interior linemen.
For the Detroit Lions, adding Fautanu fits their tradition of developing undrafted talent into contributors. Detroit has had past success stories with undrafted players stepping into important roles, and Fautanu’s versatility and football IQ give him a legitimate shot at competing for a roster spot or practice squad position.
The Lions’ offensive line has been one of the team’s strengths in recent years, but injuries and depth concerns always loom over long NFL seasons. By bringing in a player like Fautanu, the Lions are preparing themselves for any situation that might arise in the trenches. His ability to play multiple interior line positions could be crucial if he impresses during training camp and preseason action.
Although the path for undrafted free agents is often steep, Fautanu’s experience, toughness, and technical skills provide him with a strong foundation to make a serious push for a role with the Lions. Detroit fans will be watching closely as he looks to continue his football journey at the professional level.
As the offseason progresses, Fautanu will have the opportunity to prove himself among a competitive group of rookies and veterans. If he can translate his college success to the next level, he could find a long-term home in the NFL — and possibly become another great undrafted success story for the Detroit Lions.
