By Moses Joshua After a slow start to his NFL career, Martin faces a defining training camp amid a loaded interior rotation
Once a Project, Now Under Pressure
When the Detroit Lions selected Brodric Martin in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were betting on long-term upside over immediate production. With his 6-foot-5 frame and imposing wingspan, Martin projected as a developmental interior lineman who could eventually anchor a defensive front. But entering his third season, the honeymoon phase is officially over.
Detroit’s aggressive investment in the defensive interior this offseason—headlined by first-round pick Tyleik Williams and free-agent addition Roy Lopez—sends a clear message: the Lions are no longer waiting around for Martin to develop. If he’s going to secure a role in 2025, he’ll need to earn it the hard way.
A Setback and a Missed Opportunity
Martin’s second year in the league never truly got off the ground. A hyperextended knee suffered in the preseason finale landed him on injured reserve for most of the regular season. By the time he returned in Week 13, the Lions’ defensive line was battered, yet Martin only appeared in two games and logged just 25 defensive snaps total—hardly enough to shift momentum in his favor.
In his lone start against the Packers, Martin played 46% of the defensive snaps and recorded a single tackle. But even amid injuries on the line, he remained a healthy inactive for the final four games of the season. His Pro Football Focus grades reflected the quiet year: a 37.9 overall grade, ranked 189th out of 206 qualifying interior defenders.
It was a season that, frankly, left more questions than answers.
A Crowded Room, A Slim Window
This offseason, Detroit clearly emphasized strengthening the defensive front, particularly the tackle rotation. DJ Reader, entering his second year in the Motor City, brings leadership and consistency. Lopez, a proven run-stopper, was signed to a multi-million dollar deal. And Williams—one of the most physically gifted defensive tackles in the 2025 draft—represents the future.
Even depth pieces like Pat O’Connor seem to be ahead of Martin on the pecking order. Which means, for the former Western Kentucky standout, training camp is no longer about growth—it’s about survival.
The Final Shot?
Martin has reportedly taken steps to better position himself physically, dropping over 14 pounds last year to improve agility and stamina. That dedication will need to show up in live reps, as Detroit evaluates whether there’s still untapped potential in the 25-year-old lineman.
Veteran DJ Reader made clear his willingness to mentor the younger player, saying, “He’s a young pup… I can’t wait to get my hands on him and just talk to him about ball, how to play this position.” Reader’s insights into the nuances of nose tackle play could be invaluable—if Martin can seize the opportunity.
But make no mistake: the Lions are a team with championship aspirations. Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes are no longer operating on potential—they’re seeking production. If Martin doesn’t show clear progress this summer, his time in Detroit may come to an unceremonious end.
Bottom Line: For Brodric Martin, the 2025 season is more than just another year—it’s likely his final chance to prove he belongs on a deep and competitive Detroit defensive line. Training camp won’t just shape his role; it could define his NFL future.