The Detroit Lions added pieces to their defense this offseason that could be key to the unit taking a big step during the 2024 season. One player already on the roster, though, who could help with that big step is second-year defensive lineman Brodric Martin.
The Lions drafted Martin in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. But as a rookie, Martin dressed for just three games.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn expressed that they have liked what they’ve seen from Martin in OTAs this spring. But each coach has also been careful not to overhype the 25-year-old as ready for a much bigger role.
Campbell made it clear to reporters on May 23 that Martin must continue to show progress this summer.
“Look, the kid wants it, he’s working, and he’s improving,” Campbell said. “And we’ll just, he’s another guy, we’ve just got to get him reps and training camp’s going to be pivotal for him with the pads on.”
Including the playoffs, Martin was inactive for 17 of Detroit’s 20 games during the 2023-24 campaign. In the three contests he dressed, he recorded 3 combined tackles.
Expectations in Year 2 for Defensive Lineman Brodric Martin
Martin came into the league with some hype for a Day 2 selection. But he played just 28 defensive snaps as a rookie.
The Lions added 35-year-old defensive tackle Tyson Alualu late last year. Alualu carved out a role in the team’s defensive line rotation in December and the playoffs while Martin remained a healthy scratch.
Martin made his NFL debut during Week 8 on Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders. He recorded 1 tackle in that contest.
He didn’t dress again until Week 14. Then during Week 15, he had 2 combined tackles on just 11 snaps against the Denver Broncos. But after that, Martin was never active for another contest.
Like Campbell, Glenn stressed that Martin is working hard. But he also said summer workouts will be more telling than OTAs.