Lions player who needs change of scenery this offseason couldn't be more obvious

As good as the Detroit Lions' recent draft record has been, as the foundation for the team's success, no team nails every pick in every draft. As the team has gotten good, starting spots have been more scarce and in some cases a rookie's path to making an immediate impact has been tough. And that leaves out circumstances beyond anyone's control, namely an injury.

While development tracks are rarely a linear progression, ideally through 2-3 seasons a team will have a pretty good idea of what a player is or can be. But there are of course players who need a little more time, and they can still become a key contributor.

But there is a line between exercising patience, and knowing when it's time to acknowledge a player won't be what you expected them to be. Or maybe, it's acknowledging you can't provide all they need to reach their potential.

ESPN's choice for Lions' player who needs change of scenery is too easy

ESPN gathered their NFL beat reporters to name one player from each team who could use a change of scenery this offseason.

Eric Woodyard named defensive tackle Brodric Martin as that player for the Lions.

"Martin didn't log much action last season, appearing in just two games. He was on injured reserve until late November after suffering a knee injury in the preseason finale, but the former third-round pick in 2023 failed to make an impact in limited opportunities, recording one tackle. In his two seasons with the Lions, Martin has played in five games, making one start. Though a new defensive staff will take over in 2025, a change of scenery could be best."

The knee injury Martin suffered in the 2024 preseason finale derailed his second season. But he only played two games after returning to the active roster last season, and 23 of his 25 defensive snaps came when the Lions' defensive line was uniquely thinned by injuries (Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers).

When the Lions gave up three draft picks to move up and get Martin with a top-100 pick (No. 96 overall) in the 2023 draft, it was clear he was a project coming out of Western Kentucky. But five games and 53 defensive snaps over two seasons has to be below the lowest of initial expectations, even with last season's injury factored in. And there can be no real expectations for what he will be able to contribute next season.

Brad Holmes may not want to give up on a draft pick just two years in, let alone one he surrendered multiple picks to move up and get. But it's hard to see Martin being one of the Lions' 53 best players when the start of next season comes, and his development has never really gotten off the ground. Another team may be able to give him more runway to earn a roster spot, and maybe reach whatever potential he has.