Round 3b: DT Brodric Martin (W.Kentucky) : Pick # 96 (2023)

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Lions trade back into the 3rd round and select Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin

Detroit Lions pick Western Kentucky DT Brodric Martin in Round 3 of NFL draft 2023

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This new thread relates to the following threads and the thread links in these discussions:

Round 2 & Round 3 options for the Lions ( 2023)

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1776/round-2-options-lions-2023

Round 3a: QB Hendon Hooker (Tennessee) : Pick # 68 ( 2023 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1783/round-hendon-tennessee-pick-2023

NFL Draft Preview: Defensive Lineman / Edge ( 2023 )

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1746/draft-preview-defensive-lineman-edge

Lions host DT Siaki Ika (Baylor):Pre-Draft Visit

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1747/lions-siaki-baylor-draft-visit

This was another draft surprise by the Lions in the 2023 Draft. It's evident that Brad Holmes, Dan Campbell, and co. see major upside potential regarding Brodric Martin. He's a huge DT prospect, measuring 6-4 5/8", weighing 330 pounds, and has a enormous arm length (35"). Martin ran a 5.34 40 at the Combine, running a 10 yard dash in 5.34. As Brad Holmes inferred, Martin moves a lot better on tape than in athletic timed tests.

One reason in particular to be optimistic about Brodric Martin with the Lions is in his Senior Season, Martin had 23 QB pressures, compared to 17 combined in his previous college seasons.

For Martin to even close to reaching his NFL potential with the Lions, he needs be more consistent with his techniques throughout the snap.

My guess is that Brad Holmes was concerned the Browns would draft Brodric Martin with Pick # 98. The Browns ended up drafting Baylor DT Siaki Ika with Pick # 98. Ika doesn't have the football character that Martin has and it's very likely why Holmes didn't want to risk losing the opportunity to draft Martin. To the extent that the Lions gave up the equivalent of Pick # 88 in compensation, according to the following Draft Value Chart:

lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/04/26/detroit-lions-draft-trade-value-chart/

It wouldn't surprise me if Brad Holmes believed that the overall drop-off in the draft as Round 4 moved along was steep. With Round 5 and 6 having less value than was the case in the 2022 Draft. Having said that, Holmes paid a huge price for a huge player. On paper, it looks like the Lions gave up too much in order to be able to draft Martin. Hopefully, Brad Holmes' evaluation of Martin, with potential turning into high level play. pays off.

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Brodric Martin shores up Detroit’s interior defensive line depth

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While the Lions paid a huge draft compensation price, he definitely has the potential to fill the need of another big-athletic body on the Lions Interior Defensive Line, who can help the Lions win. It's evident that Brad Holmes and co. rate Martin well ahead of the then remaining DT prospects in this draft, to fill this need.

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Brodric Martin: Rookie DT 'blessed' to be in a Lions uniform


Brodric Martin was preparing Day 3 draft party when Lions came calling day early
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The appreciation Brodric Martin has for his opportunity as a player with the Lions appears to be totally genuine.

Martin has a long way in his development to be counted on by the Lions for a substantial number of Defensive Snaps each game. The good news is Martin has major upside potential and the desire to succeed.

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Detroit Lions sign third-round pick Brodric Martin, add one tryout player from rookie camp

Lions sign third-round pick Brodric Martin, undrafted free agent Dylan Drummond

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It's good to see Brodric Martin in the Lions fold!

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Brodric Martin patiently waiting for chance to prove himself

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It's not surprising that the transition for Brodric Martin to the Lions/NFL has been slow. Going from Western Kentucky, where Martin played 2 seasons (he began his college ball with North Alabama) to the NFL is a huge jump.

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Lions DC Aaron Glenn updates the progress of rookie DT Brodric Martin

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As long as the Lions Interior Defensive Lineman are relatively healthy, the Lions have the luxury of Broderic Martin learning exclusively in practice, meeting, and in team teaching material at home.

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Lions DC Aaron Glenn happy with rookie Brodric Martin's progress

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This thread relates to the following thread:

Lions 26, Raiders 14: Game # 8 (2023)

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/1931/lions-26-raiders-game-2023

Brodric Martin contributed greatly to a 3rd Down run stop early in the Raiders game, getting push against a Raiders O-Lineman.

On the other hand, on some running plays, the Raiders handled him relatively easy. Martin definitely remains a work in progress with his techniques and awareness.

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Aaron Glenn explains why rookie DT Brodric Martin hasn't been playing

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It looks like Brodric Martin will be getting an opportunity with the Lions in Chicago later today, based on Alim McNeill being on IR and Quinton Bohanna not being added to the 53 man roster.