2026 Lions Undrafted Free Agent Spotlight: Aidan Keanaaina
A nose tackle has joined the battle for a spot on the final fifty three.
Information sourced from: RAS, Pride of Detroit UDFA Tracker, Sports Reference CFB
Yesterday we dove in on Luke Altmyer, our undrafted free agent Quarterback. Now moving down the line, we are diving in on Aiden Keanaaina, DT, Cal. Keanaaina has one key item going for him outside of the other undrafted free agents. He was given three hundred thousand dollars in guaranteed money, more than any other undrafted free agent. So, let’s dig in and figure out why the Lions may be interested in him.
DT Aiden Keanaaina, DT, Cal
Keanaaina is a hulking man standing 6’ 3” and three hundred twenty one pounds. I expected the Lions to target a nose tackle type defensive tackle late in the draft, and they didn’t end up having to use a draft pick on one. Keanaaina is one of the older Lions rookies coming in at twenty four years old. Looking at his stats, it is very apparent that once he got to Cal he blossomed as a player and his stats increased. Keanaaina is not going to be the guy racking up sacks, he is going to be the big man who is filling two gaps and pushing the pocket a bit so Hutchinson, Moore, Wonnum, Hassanein and others can get sacks. With DJ Reader and Roy Lopez departing in free agency this is a sneaky need for the Lions (though it is very possible Tyleik Williams could fill this need as well).
From an athletic perspective the nose tackle spot has had success with many lesser athletic prospects (such as DJ Reader), so there is no question that Keanaaina’s athleticism will not hold him back. In fact, it is likely to be a boon. Seeing a nose tackle with a good agility grade is actually quite interesting. This will translate to him not just being able to fill gaps, but potentially allow him to exhibit some lateral quickness to move up and down the line.
It’s hard to make a call on this particular UDFA. His position and specialty are needed on the Lions, and his athleticism gives him a step up. In addition the three hundred thousand guaranteed money is something. However, the Lions have let guys with guaranteed money go before. After some consideration, I think he will be given the opportunity to fight for a spot. Given the relatively light competition for a true nose, I think he has a fair shot at the bottom of the roster. Perhaps better than Altmyer that we outlined yesterday.
Silver & Blues chance of making the Lions final roster: 4/10
Silver & Blues chance of making the Lions practice squad: 10/10