Lions UDFA: De’Shawn Rucker, CB
Can this track star help the Lions right away on special teams?
The Detroit Lions signed CB De’Shawn Rucker as an undrafted free agent (UDFA) - a former track star who ran a 10.76 100m in high school giving him the athleticism to compete for an early role on special teams.
At a college-listed 6’ 0“ and 195 lbs, Rucker has a nice build to play outside corner. Medically, he appears to be a low-risk prospect, which is important for a Lions’ CB room that was decimated by injury last season.
Below is the medical report for Rucker. For a full breakdown of the 2026 rookie class, visit my Lions 2026 draftees + UDFA page.
Medical concern level ranges from 0 (no concern) to 10 (extreme).
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information and are unverified - subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
De’Shawn Rucker, CB (23) - USF
Medical Concern Level: 2/10
2025: 13/13 games
2024: 11/13 games. Missed 2 games with unspecified injury.
2023 (Tennessee): 4/13 games. Unspecified injury in Game 1 and missed next 3 games. Returned for 3 games and then his season ended after Game 7.
2022: 8/13 games
2021: 12/13 games
Rucker had minor injuries in 2023 and 2024 with no reported details. His 2023 season was a short one which merits investigation as to whether he had an injury setback or if it was simply to preserve a year of eligibility.
What’s reassuring is he played a full, final season of college which means he should enter his rookie year healthy.
His age is a bit higher than ideal but is fine for a UDFA.
Rucker finished with 1 INT and 12 PBU in his college career.
For a review of the current CB room along with the rest of the Lions’ defense…
It looks like he got healthier or less injury prone as time went on. Is that a trend that can be taken as good news, or is that a fluke?