When the Detroit Lions selected Tyleik Williams in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many fans scratched their heads. The team was expected to target a pass rusher with one of their top picks, but instead opted for Williams, a dominant run-stuffing defensive tackle, to solidify the middle of the defensive line.
Despite missing minicamp while rehabbing an injury, Williams is on track to start this season—bad news for defensive tackle Brodric Martin, a 2023 third-rounder who has struggled to find playing time since joining Detroit. Martin was drafted with one of the picks acquired in the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff trade, but unlike fellow trade beneficiaries Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, he hasn’t made an impact. Over two seasons, Martin has appeared in just five games.
If Williams earns the starting job early, Martin’s chances to carve out a role shrink even more. However, Williams’ health is the key factor: if he’s not ready for the season opener, Martin could get one last chance to prove himself on the field.
But once Williams is healthy, the Lions will need to get their first-rounder significant playing time—no team wants its top pick riding the bench. If Martin can’t impress new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard during Williams’ recovery, he’s likely to be the odd man out on the roster.
Sheppard’s defensive schemes remain a question mark heading into the season, but given his history under former coordinator Aaron Glenn, it’s hard to envision Martin sticking around if he doesn’t seize his opportunity.
Training Camp Clash: Tyleik Williams’ Emergence Imperils Martin’s Future
