Detroit Lions Rookie OL Kingsley Eguakun Looks to the Future After 2024 Season
As the 2024 NFL season wraps up, Detroit Lions rookie offensive lineman Kingsley Eguakun may not have seen any game action, but his potential as a key depth player for the future is undeniable.
The 2024 Preseason
After going undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, the former Florida offensive lineman signed with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent. Detroit clearly saw something in his tape, offering Eguakun a guaranteed $225,000, along with a $20,000 signing bonus. While the expectations for undrafted rookies are often modest, Eguakun was viewed as a solid potential backup for All-Pro/Pro Bowler Frank Ragnow.
NFL Scouts are eager to see a healthy Kingsley Eguakun at @ShrineBowl after extremely strong junior tape
Dense center with fluid hips and efficient hand placement to keep him balanced and impactful. Tenacious player and leader š https://t.co/4sCgx64U7t pic.twitter.com/SKCvftbLRt
— Shane Coughlin (@Shane__Coughlin) November 22, 2023
PreseasonĀ
Throughout training camp, Eguakun competed for a backup center role alongside fellow undrafted rookies Bryan Hudson and Duke Clemens, as well as third-year player Michael Niese. In his preseason debut, Eguakun saw action with the first-team offensive line, but it was a tough introduction to the NFL. He struggled in blocking for quarterback Nate Sudfeld, including a costly botched snap that led to a turnover on downs. His overall performance showed room for improvement in both the run and pass blocking game.
Despite the early struggles, Eguakun continued to receive first-team center reps during the remainder of the preseason. With more on-field experience, his play started to improve.
āHeās a guy that has certainly caught our eye,ā said Lions coach Dan Campbell during training camp. āHeās put the work in, heās pretty polished for a young guy, heās got good feet, heās quick, heās smart, heās tough. So, weāre just getting him some reps in there and seeing what it looks like. He didnāt look out of place yesterday doing that. Heāll get some more today at that (guard) position. So, we like Kingsley, he works his tail off.ā
2024 Regular Season
Despite showing potential, Eguakun did not make the 53-man roster for the start of the 2024 season, with Michael Niese earning the backup spot. However, Eguakun impressed enough to secure a place on Detroitās practice squad, where he spent the entire season without being elevated for a regular-season game.
Looking Ahead to 2025
In January 2025, the Lions signed Eguakun to a futures deal, signaling their interest in developing him further. Heading into the offseason, Eguakun is the only true center on the roster besides Frank Ragnow. While Graham Glasgow, who plays guard, could be the go-to backup for Ragnow if needed, Eguakun has the opportunity to prove himself in training camp and the preseason, potentially earning the backup center spot over Michael Niese.
Dan Campbell on Kingsley Eguakun and IOL depth battles:
ā¢ Caught our eye
ā¢ Polished for a young guy
ā¢ Good feet, quick, smart, tough
ā¢ Didnāt look out of place as first team RG
ā¢ Brad and I have gone back and forth on how many OL weāre keeping
ā¢ Can one guy handle two spots pic.twitter.com/iwFduRgsM4— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) August 21, 2024
Both Eguakun and Niese share similar physical builds, having taken reps at both guard and center during camp. However, Eguakun did not play guard in any of the preseason games, meaning he may need to either deliver a standout performance at center or cross-train at guard to increase his chances of securing a roster spot.
One of Eguakun’s biggest advantages is his athleticism. At 6-foot-3 and 312 pounds, heās the smallest offensive lineman on the roster but posted an impressive 9.56 RAS at center, showcasing a 32-inch vertical and elite agility scores. His tape reflects this athleticism, with the ability to move laterally and maintain his blocks while staying composed. During his college career, he did not allow a single sack, though he did commit 26 penalties over two seasons as a starter.
With the 2025 season approaching, Eguakunās future with the Lions will largely depend on his development during the offseason and his performance in training camp. His potential is clear, but whether it translates into a consistent role with the team remains to be seen.
