Detroit Lions trade back into third round, take DT Brodric Martin at pick 96

To close out their Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions moved back into the third round to take Western Kentucky defensive tackle Brodric Martin.

The Detroit Lions have a nice Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft, taking tight end Sam LaPorta, defensive back Brian Branch and quarterback Hendon Hooker. But they were not done, moving up to take Western Kentucy defensive tackle Brodric Martin at pick No. 96 late in the third round.

In another draft trade with the Arizona Cardinals, the Lions gave up picks No. 122, 139 and 168, leaving them with two Day 3 picks heading into the final day of the draft.

Martin comes in at 6-foot-5 and 337 pounds. He started his college career at Division II North Alabama, before transferring to Western Kentucky.  He playing in all 14 games with one start in 2021, with 31 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. He earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors as a senior last season, starting all 14 games again with 31 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two pass breakups.

Detroit Lions make addition to middle of defensive line with Brodric Martin

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projected Martin as a sixth or seventh round pick, and here’s the NFL.com draft analyst’s evaluation of the big defensive tackle.

"Space-eating nose tackle for consideration in both odd and even fronts. Martin’s size and length will be coveted by NFL teams, but his impact on games can be blunted at times due to a lack of leverage to hold his anchor. If he can play with a little better bend and quicker hands, he has the awareness and ability to handle two-gapping duties. He can take on double teams with better technique and more work. Martin’s traits and talent create Day 3 draft value as a rotational interior lineman."

Martin was a name that had not significantly landed on the radar of a lot of Lions’ writers, myself included.

Martin is obviously very big, but his athleticism score leaves a lot to be desired–and a lot might not be a strong enough phrase.

Martin would seem to fit nicely as a pure nose tackle to take some of the load off Isaiah Buggs, who played well last season but the Lions acknowledged could have been better with less of a snap load.

By parting with the picks they did to get him with a top-100 selection, the Lions apparently have plans for Martin to have a solid role right away.