Lions UDFA Could Be Dan Campbell's Next Favorite Player

Lions UDFA Could Be Dan Campbell’s Next Favorite Player

The Detroit Lions have risen to the top of the NFL in recent years, largely due to their consistent success in the draft. Every year, they seem to find rookies who step in and make an immediate impact. The Lions have also had success with undrafted free agents, and this year’s group looks promising, with several players earning attention heading into training camp. While some analysts feel the Lions didn’t have the best draft this year, there’s still potential for the team to turn things around if these undrafted players can shine.

Head coach Dan Campbell is known for his love of physical, hard-nosed football players, and he has a clear preference for certain types of athletes. This could be great news for one undrafted rookie in particular, who might just become one of Campbell’s favorites.

UDFA TE/FB Zach Horton Could Become a Key Player for the Lions

One such player is Zach Horton, a tight end/fullback from Indiana, who signed with the Lions as an undrafted free agent. Horton brings a style of play that could fit perfectly with Campbell’s vision for the team, especially in the run game. According to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, Horton has a lot to offer.

“Horton is an old-school player, which makes him a natural fit for the Lions,” Pouncy notes. “He played both tight end and fullback at James Madison before following his coach, Curt Cignetti, to Indiana. His blocking skills are top-notch, and he’s known for his physicality in the run game, something the Lions value. With Detroit looking to bring back a true fullback role under offensive coordinator John Morton, Horton could fill that need. Watch for him to make an impact.”

While Horton only recorded 21 catches for 189 yards in 2024, his blocking ability is what truly stands out. The Lions have built their offensive identity around a powerful rushing attack, relying on their strong offensive line to open up lanes for running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. It’s no surprise that the Lions would want to add a player who excels at blocking to complement that strategy.

Making an NFL roster as an undrafted rookie is never easy, but Horton’s physical style of play and his strong blocking skills make him a player worth watching. It’s not out of the question that he could secure a spot on the roster, or at the very least, land on the practice squad. Dan Campbell has made it clear he loves players who bring physicality to the table, and Horton is exactly the type of player who fits that mold. Don’t be surprised if he quickly becomes one of Campbell’s favorites in Detroit.

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