The clock is officially ticking for Brodric Martin in Detroit. The 2023 third-round pick, once labeled a developmental project by GM Brad Holmes, is entering a critical offseason with the Lions making it clear: it’s time to turn flashes into consistency.
Martin has only appeared in five games over two seasons, largely sidelined by injuries or healthy scratches. While his raw traits—size, strength, and length—once made him a high-upside prospect out of Western Kentucky, Detroit’s defensive line is now too deep and too competitive for him to coast on potential alone.
“We need to see more of the consistency of the flashes,” Holmes said during the NFL owners meetings. “He’s got all the ability, all the physical tools. He just needs to be a consistent player—and he knows that.”
The Lions didn’t just say that with words, they backed it up with moves. Roy Lopez joined via free agency, and the team also returns DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, and Myles Adams—who played ahead of Martin late last season. Add in Josh Paschal getting more interior snaps and the looming return of Alim McNeill and Mekhi Wingo from injury, and it’s clear reps on the defensive front won’t come easy.
Head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic about how the group is shaping up, but he made it known that more additions could be on the way via the NFL Draft or after. That leaves Martin with little margin for error as he fights to stay part of the rotation.
For Martin, this offseason might be his last real shot to prove he belongs on a deep, playoff-ready roster. Whether he rises to the occasion or becomes the odd man out remains to be seen—but the message from Detroit’s front office is loud and clear.
Lions Put Spotlight on Defensive Lineman to Deliver More Consistently
