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Our scouting report series continues with the Detroit Lions' 2013 undrafted free agents. Next up is Robert Maci.
DE Robert Maci (Purdue) - UDFA
Thanks to a player failing his physical last week, the Detroit Lions still had an opening on their roster, specifically at defensive end. They elected to fill that vacancy by signing Purdue defensive end Robert Maci. He joined the Lions well after most of the other undrafted free agents, but he's now getting his shot at sticking with an NFL team.
Random fact
Maci was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team four years in a row at Purdue.
What the experts are saying
Though he may be tagged as a linebacker, Maci also is touted his versatility to scouts.
He's played on all the special teams and also has experience with his hand in the dirt and standing up. But he makes sure scouts know he'll play wherever they want, and he's willing to gain weight or lose weight. He also reminds he earned academic All-Big Ten honors four seasons.
Stats
2009: 17 tackles
2010: 17 tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1 INT, 2 passes defended
2011: 10 tackles, 4.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
2012: 37 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 1 pass defended, 2 forced fumbles
Videos
Outlook for 2013
Maci, like Freddie Bishop, will likely have to beat out Ronnell Lewis as the fifth defensive end in order to make the team. Considering he's getting a bit of a late start, it won't be easy, but the door isn't completely closed since not all of the spots at defensive end are locked down. Also like Bishop, he should have a shot at the practice squad if he doesn't make the 53-man roster.
Previous scouting reports:
Draft picks: DE Ezekiel Ansah, CB Darius Slay, OG Larry Warford, DE Devin Taylor, P Sam Martin, WR Corey Fuller, RB Theo Riddick, TE Michael Williams
UDFAs: QB Alex Carder, RB Steven Miller, WR Cody Wilson, TE Joseph Fauria, OT Austin Holtz, OT LaAdrian Waddle, OG Darren Keyton, DE Freddie Bishop, LB Jon Morgan, LB Alex Elkins, S Martavius Neloms