Lions Miss Out on Undrafted Rookie as CB Jakob Robinson Chooses 49ers Over Detroit
The Detroit Lions traveled to Green Bay last week aiming to build for the future, and they accomplished just that with a strong showing in the 2025 NFL Draft. They left Lambeau Field with a solid rookie class that includes Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
Despite the draft wrapping up, the Lions didn’t stop adding talent. Like many NFL teams, Detroit moved quickly to sign several undrafted free agents (UDFAs), hoping to discover contributors or simply bolster their training camp roster.
As a top contender, the Lions usually have no trouble attracting UDFAs. However, that wasn’t the case with one highly sought-after prospect.
BYU Cornerback Jakob Robinson Turns Down Lions for 49ers
Among the notable undrafted players was BYU cornerback Jakob Robinson, who drew significant attention after the draft. Ultimately, he opted to sign with the San Francisco 49ers, bypassing offers from the Lions, Dolphins, and Ravens, according to 49ers insider Sterling Bennett.
This loss comes as Detroit continues to reshape its cornerback room following the departures of Carlton Davis, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Emmanuel Moseley, and Kindle Vildor. While the Lions have added veterans like D.J. Reed, Avonte Maddox, and Rock Ya-Sin, adding more depth at the position would have made sense.
Robinson’s decision isn’t surprising, though. With Detroit’s top cornerback slots seemingly filled, the BYU standout likely saw limited opportunity for playing time in the Motor City and may have faced a spot on the practice squad.
In contrast, the 49ers’ thinner CB depth chart may provide him with a better path to the active roster. During his collegiate career, Robinson impressed with 21 pass breakups, 11 interceptions (including a pick-six), and 131 solo tackles, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in 2024.
Though missing out on Robinson is a minor setback, it doesn’t significantly impact Detroit’s strong defensive outlook. The Lions head into the summer with one of the NFL’s top-rated defenses (76.8 PFF grade in 2024) and currently hold the fifth-best odds to win Super Bowl 60 at +950, according to FanDuel.
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