After wrapping up the 2025 NFL Draft with seven new rookies, the Detroit Lions are still fine-tuning their roster. General manager Brad Holmes focused heavily on the trenches during the draft, selecting two defensive linemen, two offensive linemen, and adding wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round to bolster the offense.
However, there’s still a big question at backup quarterback. Right before the draft, the Lions released Jake Fromm, leaving Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen to battle for the No. 2 spot behind Jared Goff.
Now, Detroit is giving a local player a chance to compete. Eastern Michigan University announced that quarterback Cole Snyder has been invited to the Lions’ rookie minicamp.
Snyder, who transferred to EMU in 2024 for his final collegiate season, started his career at Rutgers before finding success at Buffalo. Over two seasons at Buffalo, he started 25 games and became just the third quarterback in school history to top 3,000 passing yards in a season. Last year with EMU, Snyder threw for 2,684 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding four more scores on the ground.
While it’s a long shot for Snyder to earn a contract, especially with the competition already in place, it’s always good to see a local standout get a shot at the next level. His performance at rookie minicamp could determine if his NFL dream continues in Detroit — or elsewhere.
