When the Detroit Lions traded up in the third roundtraded up in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft to select Brodric Martin, it was done with the knowledge that he was a project. The big defensive tackle from Western Kentucky needed a lot of technical refinement to flesh out his considerable physical potential.
Thus far, the developmental curve has been longer than many hoped for. Martin has played in just one game, spending nearly the entire season as a healthy scratch. That’s despite the Lions defensive line not producing much in the way of pressure or run defense tackles.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn shed some light on Martin’s progress prior to Thursday’s practice session. Glenn noted that Martin still has a way to go before he’s ready to contribute, even with standout DT Alim McNeill now on injured reserve.Alim McNeill now on injured reserve.
“Man, just coming from where he did in college and understand exactly how he has to play in this league (NFL),” Glenn stated. ‘The one thing I think that he had an issue with early is just being able to use his hands and understand how to use his hands. And man, I tell him in practice, he’s doing a really good job of that. I mean before practice, after practice, those are the things that Brodric is doing a really good job of to get himself on the field.”
Glenn continued,
“And then other than that, man, I’m a big believer in D-linemen being able to have lateral agility and he’s working his butt off trying to work on those things too.”
Sunday’s game in Chicago will be a good barometer of how Glenn perceives Martin’s progress. If the rookie is still inactive, it’s probably time to write off his first year as a complete developmental season.
