Lions trying out veteran defensive lineman and multiple rookies during rookie mini camp

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and the Detroit Lions will soon host their rookie mini camp. In additions to the the rookies they drafted, their undrafted free agents they signed and some undrafted guys that they've invited to work out, the Lions will also be hosting veteran defensive tackle T. J. Smith for a work out at rookie mini camp per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. 

T.J. Smith

Smith was an undrafted rookie for the Chargers in 2020, but has spent the last three seasons in the NFC North with the Vikings. He's mostly been on their practice squad. 

Smith doesn't have ton of regular season experience. He's played four total games. Last year he made two appearances for the Vikings. One against the Falcons and the other against the Packers. He played fairly well in both games. 

Cade Peterson, QB, Grand Valley State

The Lions are trying out a divsion two quarterback from a school right here in Michigan. Peterson threw for 2,116 passing yards for 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions at GGVSU last year. He also ran for 435 yards and six touchdowns. Peterson is a pretty mobile guy. He has 21 career rushing touchdowns.

Theo Day, QB, Northern Iowa

Spartans fans will remember Day. He was at Michigan State for a minute before hitting the transfer portal in search of a place he could start. Day had 2,876 yards and 16 passing touchdowns for Northern Iowa last year. 

Michael Herzog, RB, Hillsdale College

Another Canadian prospect for the Lions. Herzog absolutely went off for Hilldale last season with 1,333 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. There's no shock that the Lions are wanting to take a closer look at him. He also had 511 kick return yards in 2023 too. Don't write this kid off because the Lions are stacked at running back.