By Sunday 
The NFL offseason is a time for optimism, roster battles, and a few uncomfortable truths. For the Detroit Lions, it’s looking more and more like one of those truths involves former third-round pick Brodric Martin — a name that’s quietly slipping down the defensive depth chart.
The Draft-Day Dream
When the Lions selected Martin with the 96th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, it was with the hope they’d landed a hidden gem: a massive, raw, interior force who could anchor the defensive line for years to come. At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Martin had the physical tools and an aggressive motor that seemed to scream “Dan Campbell guy.” But potential doesn’t always translate — especially in a league where development windows close fast.
The Harsh Reality
Fast-forward to the summer of 2025, and Martin has just five games and four tackles to show for his NFL career. No sacks. No tackles for loss. No real flash or momentum. The result? He’s firmly on the bubble as the Lions shape their 53-man roster for the upcoming season — and maybe not even on the right side of it.
Injuries haven’t helped his case. Martin spent much of 2024 on injured reserve after a hyperextended knee, appearing in just two games late in the year. But even when healthy, his lack of production and game-day inactivity — mostly as a healthy scratch — speaks volumes. The Lions just haven’t seen enough.
Depth Chart Drama
The situation has only gotten worse for Martin this offseason. Detroit stacked the defensive line room by drafting Tyleik Williams and Ahmed Hassanein, re-signing Levi Onwuzurike, and adding Roy Lopez to back up DJ Reader and Alim McNeill. Translation? There’s little room — or patience — for projects that haven’t produced.
Even general manager Brad Holmes has publicly acknowledged the underwhelming return on investment, a rare move that underscores just how shaky Martin’s future looks.
A Miss in a Class Full of Hits?
To be clear, this doesn’t mean Brodric Martin is a lost cause — he could still latch on elsewhere or surprise in camp. But right now, it’s hard not to view him as the big miss in an otherwise strong 2023 draft class. And with the Lions now focused on competing for a Super Bowl, they simply can’t afford to hold a roster spot for a maybe.
The clock is ticking — and unless Martin delivers a training camp miracle, Detroit’s gamble might officially be over.
Keywords: Brodric Martin, Detroit Lions