Normally at the conclusion of the NFL Draft teams are busying signing undrafted free agents to bring them in as camp bodies. While most undrafted free agents struggle to even make the 53-man roster, quite a few have gone on to have very successful careers in the NFL. I think the stat mentioned during coverage of the draft was that 23 of the players at the Pro Bowl this year were undrafted, so a lot of hidden gems can be found.
The problem for both NFL teams and UDFAs this year is that player movement isn't allowed right now. With the NFL lockout back on and there being no plans to begin free agency in the immediate future, UDFAs can't sign with teams. Obviously right now with the lockout back in effect there are no OTAs that rookies will be missing out on, but it has to be tough for all of these undrafted free agents to be stuck waiting to be able to sign and figure out the next step in their football careers.
Undrafted free agents will only be able to be signed when the NFL lockout is lifted and the NFL declares the 2011 league year open for business, either with an agreement on a new CBA or after being forced to do so by the courts. Until then, we're right back to where we have been the last couple months -- everything is at a standstill.
SB Nation has full coverage of the 2011 NFL Draft at its NFL Draft hub and NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft. For more on the Detroit Lions, make sure to check out Pride Of Detroit and SB Nation Detroit's NFL Draft StoryStream.