Melvin Priestly
Career Summary
Melvin Priestly is an offensive lineman who played at Grambling State and Illinois.
He signed with the Detroit Lions in 2026 before being waived during final preseason roster reductions.
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Early Life
Priestly comes from St. Louis, Missouri.
He attended East St. Louis High School in Illinois before beginning college football at Grambling State.
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High School
Priestly played for Darren Sunkett at East St. Louis.
A two-star recruit, he helped the school finish as the IHSA Class 6A state runner-up during his senior season.
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College Career
Priestly played two seasons each at Grambling State and Illinois.
He started 15 games at left tackle for Grambling State across 2022–23. At Illinois he started all 13 games at right tackle in both 2024 and 2025, helping the Illini win consecutive bowl games.
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Path to the NFL
Priestly joined Detroit following the 2026 draft.
The Lions announced his signing on May 12, 2026, among a group of rookie free agents.
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NFL Career
Priestly spent the 2026 offseason and preseason with Detroit.
The Lions waived him on August 30 during roster reductions.
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Career Accomplishments
Priestly received coaches' All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2024.
His Illinois career included 26 starts at right tackle and consecutive bowl victories.
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32423, 00-0041460, 11/27/2003, Melvin Priestly, Melvin, Priestly
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2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.