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Of all the Detroit Lions' 2013 undrafted free agents, UCLA tight end Joseph Fauria may have the best chance to actually make the 53-man roster. He plays a position that is far from settled, as there is a spot up for grabs behind Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler. And it's not completely out of the realm of possibility to say that Scheffler isn't a lock to make the team should someone like Fauria put together an outstanding preseason.
More than anything, Fauria has a legitimate chance to make the 53-man roster because he has talent and play-making ability. Last season at UCLA, Fauria caught 46 passes for 637 yards and 12 touchdowns, and when you look at his combination of size, athleticism and production, it's really a surprise he wasn't drafted.
Once Fauria did make it through the draft without being picked, the Lions made him a priority when it came time to sign undrafted free agents, as evidenced by the signing bonus they gave him.
If you care, Fauria got the biggest signing bonus of the group, $12,500.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 3, 2013
He may not have been drafted, but Fauria seems quite happy that he's on his way to the Lions. Just look at what he tweeted on Sunday night:
Thank you to my good friend, @davidarquette, for the most AMAZING night! #BootsyBellowstwitpic.com/cojytc
— Joseph Fauria (@BigJoeFauria) May 6, 2013
Fauria will get his first chance to make an impression on coaches later this week when the Lions hold their rookie minicamp.