(Until training camp starts at the end of July, Lions Lowdown blogs will be posted five times a week using the list format.)

While NFL teams must draft well to succeed, finding the hidden gems is a bonus too. Here are three undrafted rookies who have a chance to make the Lions’ 53-man roster.

1. Tight end Joe Fauria will tell you he’s an eighth-round pick out of UCLA. Since the draft is seven rounds, it’s his way of saying he’s undrafted. He claims he has a permanent chip on his shoulder and is working hard to prove he belongs in NFL. He’s one of five tight ends currently on roster along with Brandon Pettigrew, Tony Scheffler, rookie Michael Williams and Matt Veldman who was signed Monday. Nathan Overbay, who was on practice squad last year, was released last week. Dominique Curry was released to make room for Veldman. It’s an indication that Lions are happy so far with the 6-foot-7 Fauria.

2. Running back Steven Miller arrived via Appalachian State. The Lions first noticed him when they were scouting punter Sam Martin who they drafted in the fifth round. Miller is small — 5-foot-7, 172 pounds — but he’s speed and slippery. His best shot is by making the roster on special teams as a return specialist.

3. Offensive guard LaAdrian Waddle who played at Texas Tech. He’s 6-foot-6, 321 pound and has been solid through the OTAs. It’s highly unlikely he’ll earn the start at right guard, but he’s certainly got a shot at the 53-man or practice squad.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)