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Former Detroit Lions third-round pick entering pivotal offseason

ALLEN PARK — Brodric Martin has been limited to only five games and 53 defensive snaps in two seasons for the Detroit Lions.

The 2023 third-round pick was always viewed as a developmental project. But life in the NFL moves fast, and this offseason is a pivotal turning point for the massive defensive tackle. He’s halfway through his rookie contract, and the window to make the roster and have a role keeps getting tighter and tighter. 

Much like last year, Martin is not obsessing over his preseason knee injury or what could have been. He’s embracing his path and plans to do everything he can to hit the ground running on the road to improvement this offseason.

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“I wouldn’t say frustrated. I’m not frustrated,” Martin said from locker room cleanout day. “It’s hard for me to, came in, I was good, then I got hurt, and that was hard for me. But that was a blessing in disguise as I was able to get in shape, get my muscles and stuff, get stronger and more loose. It was a blessing for me. It just didn’t happen for me on the field. It’s cool.”

When asked what he learned after a season spent in the same room with a veteran like DJ Reader, Martin said, “Everything.”

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“I ain’t going to lie. Everything,” Martin said of Reader. “He taught me a better stance. He taught me how to strike a block. Like, it’s just everything. He taught me how to leverage. He taught me a lot. It was a blessing to have him.”Martin flashed more in training camp this past season. But a knee injury stopped his ascent and put him on the shelf for most of the year. Once he made it back, Martin was limited to only two games and 25 defensive snaps.

That last part is concerning because the Lions were scrambling to fill holes on the defensive line every step of the way. Instead of Martin getting the push into the rotation, they opted for poached practice squad players and from their own practice squad for those opportunities.

“I’m going to say I’m confident (about next year being the year to contribute),” Martin said. “But it’s going to go as God wants it to go. That’s all I’m saying. I’m going to put every step I can. I’m going to put faith in him, and I’m going to just work.”

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It’s also worth noting that Martin will be working with his third defensive line coach in three seasons. John Scott Jr. was the defensive line coach his first season, then was replaced by Terrell Williams this past year. Williams is the new defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, with the Lions tabbing Kacy Rodgers as their new defensive line coach. 

Rodgers has experience working with behemoth defensive linemen and has spent the last couple of years developing Calijah Kancey into a key piece in Tampa Bay. He’ll be the latest set of eyes to work with Martin as they try to turn general manager Brad Holmes’ developmental dart-throw into a bullseye.

Martin is listed at 6-foot-5, 330 pounds, and has flashed his powerful ability in training camp, starting last year’s with a thunderous win against All-Pro center Frank Ragnow. But the clock is ticking, and it’s time to see it during the season. The Lions could certainly use the depth for their defensive line, as well.

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The 25-year-old shared some parting messages from Williams in his year-end meeting about where the team wants him to focus.

“I’m going into the offseason and just and be better than I was, man,” Martin said. “Each year, I want to be better than what I was.

“He (Williams) said he wants me to be more consistent. He wants me to be more aggressive. That’s what I’m going to do. I want

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to tone my body up more, and I want to get stronger. Just be better. That’s all I want to do — be better than what I was specifically last year.”

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