The United Football League held its 2024 College Draft on Wednesday and a pair of Detroit Lions undrafted free agents were selected by teams.
According to the UFL’s official X page, Lions wide receiver Isaiah Williams was taken by the reigning champion Birmingham Stallions in the fourth round, and the Michigan Panthers took edge rusher Isaac Ukwu in the third round.
Williams, who played his college ball at Illinois, earned one of the biggest undrafted free-agent deals on the team, with the wide receiver getting a contract that includes $240,000 guaranteed and a $15,000 signing bonus.
Knowing that, and with the uncertainty the Lions have on the back end of their wide receiver depth chart going into training camp, Williams has at least a decent shot to make the 53-man roster. As for Ukwu, who played his college ball at Mississippi, his chances of making the cut aren’t as good.
The two players being drafted into the UFL doesn’t alter their plans in the NFL, as both will still vie for a roster spot in training camp and could end up on the practice squad if things don’t pan out.
If all else fails and they don’t make it in the NFL, Williams and Ukwu will have a fallback plan in the UFL, which has proven to be a valuable opportunity for some players who stood out during the 2024 UFL season en route to earning NFL deals. Lions kicker Jake Bates is among those who did exactly that.
Just in case you were curious, here’s the full results from the 2024 UFL College Draft.
2024 UFL College Draft results
Rounds 1 and 2
Round two picks of the 2024 UFL College Draft are in 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cdj0nGMNkM
— United Football League (@TheUFL) July 17, 2024
Rounds 3 and 4
Round 4 of the 2024 UFL College Draft is locked in 💪 pic.twitter.com/mhbYxD8c1a
— United Football League (@TheUFL) July 17, 2024
Rounds 5 and 6
Round 6 of the 2024 UFL College Draft ✅ pic.twitter.com/1CGlGFaK1A
— United Football League (@TheUFL) July 17, 2024
Rounds 7 and 8
Only 2 more rounds to go 🚨
Here’s a look at Round 8 of the 2024 UFL College Draft ✅ pic.twitter.com/0QneIUxlQh
— United Football League (@TheUFL) July 17, 2024
Rounds 9 and 10
That’s a wrap on the 2024 UFL College Draft 🎉🙌
Which pick was your favorite? pic.twitter.com/e9ircry2W7
— United Football League (@TheUFL) July 17, 2024
The Lions will officially begin training camp next week. Rookies are set to report on Saturday, July 20, and veterans will arrive on Tuesday, July 23. Check out all the most notable dates for training camp and the rest of the offseason right here.