The Detroit Lions are taking their time with a large, developing rookie defensive lineman.
ALLEN PARK: Brodric Martin has yet to make his Detroit Lions debut. However, the organization is pleased with where the third-round rookie defensive lineman stands, with his lateral quickness and awareness beginning to shine in practice.
Through the first five games, Martin has been a healthy scratch. While it will be difficult to break him into the starting lineup alongside Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, and company, the Lions are optimistic about the big man’s future.
“I can’t say when he’ll play, but I’ll tell you what, I like where he’s at and how he’s improving,” defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said. “And that’s what we talk about with that player all the time, in terms of his awareness and, for the most part, how we play defense.” I’m still excited about that player, because he’s still a big body that can move, and each week giving him the opportunity to go against our O-line is the best thing he could possibly have.”
MLive questioned Glenn if the Lions were following in the footsteps of James Houston, who did not play for the first two months of his career last season. And while the defensive coordinator first dismissed the idea due to Houston’s unexpected game-breaking potential.
Glenn noted that it’s similar because Martin has to face that stout offensive line every day in practice, not to mention teaching “those techniques that we’re teaching him.”
“Lateral agility, for one, and he’s working after practice on that like every day,” Glenn went on to say. “All right, first and foremost. The second point to consider is hand positioning. That’s something new for him in terms of where he puts his hands. And basically understanding exactly how we play defense.”
For what it’s worth, Martin’s inability to play to this point isn’t shocking, despite the Lions surrendering several assets to choose the Western Kentucky product in Round 3 back in April.
Martin was making the adjustment from Conference USA to the NFL, which is never an easy feat no matter how large or strong a guy is from the start. And the Lions noticed that Martin was playing too high while in camp, destroying Frank Ragnow on the first padded day.
In the locker room, Martin told MLive that Detroit’s track record of developing players, particularly in the trenches, including last year’s approach with Houston, gives him confidence in the road he’s on in Year 1.
Houston was a sixth-round rookie transferring from Jackson State to the NFL. He didn’t play in his first game until Thanksgiving, but he finished second among rookies with eight sacks.
“Yeah, actually, it really do (increase the trust in the process),” he remarked. “I’ve been hearing a lot about that.” And sometimes I say to myself, ‘James Houston did this, and look how he turned out.’
“So I just told myself, ‘yeah, I’m just going to trust the process.'” I’m confident they know what they’re doing. I’m sure they’re aware. I’m just sitting here, man.”
The rookie defensive lineman was even impressed by the competition he confronts on a daily basis, with reps against Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, and Halapoulivaati Vaitai propelling his development. While Martin isn’t Houston, and few are, his work with the staff and against that offensive line is inspiring him to believe in the process.
“I’m taking things day by day.” It’s an eye-opening experience. Martin stated, “I came in wanting to play, ready to play.” “Third-round draft pick and everything.” But it’s been quite humbling. Just trying to improve myself and have faith in the process with the team and what coach Glenn has in store for me. Now I’m simply waiting.
“Going against them, and Frank and Jonah, all of them, it’s just — With how good they are?” I have no choice but to improve. I don’t have a choice but to improve. They’re all Pro Bowlers. They are among the top in the league. Going up against them is only making me stronger.”
