The Detroit Lions raised some eyebrows back in April when they traded up in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft to select the relatively unknown Brodric Martin. The big defensive tackle from Western Kentucky was generally projected to be a late-round pick, which made it surprising to see the Lions aggressively target him.
It’s now raising eyebrows that Martin has been a healthy scratch in Detroit’s first five games. Considering the defensive line is regarded by many as a relative weakness, or at least was seen that way entering the season, it raises the other eyebrow with regards to Martin.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn did his best to defuse some of the harsh judgment on Martin. During his weekly press conference, Glenn was asked several questions about Martin, his progress and when we might see him on the field.
“Well, I can’t say exactly when he’s going to play, but I’ll tell you what, I like where’s at and I like how he’s improving,” Glenn said of Martin. “And that’s what we talk about with that player all the time, as far as his awareness, as far as how we play defense for the most part. Excited about that player still; I mean he’s still a big body that can move, so each week him getting the chance to go against our O-line is the best thing he can ever have.”
If that sounds similar to James Houston last year, you’re not mistaken. Houston went from the practice squad early on to being a flamethrowing sack machine late in his rookie campaign. Glenn carefully downplayed that comparison with Martin without exactly ruling out that it could happen again.
“Well, I don’t know about that. I think James Houston came out of nowhere to be honest with you,” Glenn stated. “We knew that he had talent, but man, it just – the rise that Houston had from going against our O-line, we were just talking about with Martin, was outstanding. So, we’re looking at it somewhat similar because he’s getting the chance to go against a good O-line and be able to practice those techniques that we’re teaching him.”
So where has Martin improved?
“Lateral agility for one, and he’s working after practice on that like every day. Alright, that’s the first thing; the second thing is hand placement. That’s something that’s been different for him on where he’s putting his hands. And just understanding exactly the way that we play defense,” Glenn enthused.
With the defensive line ahead of him all healthy entering the Week 6 weekend, it doesn’t look like Martin will play against Tampa Bay on Sunday.
