Detroit, MI
Martin looking to take next step in his development
When the Detroit Lions drafted Brodric Martin out of Western Kentucky in the third round (No. 96 overall) last year, general manager Brad Holmes talked about his rawness, upside and the need for him to develop.
“He just has, like we say, he’s got a lot of meat on the bone,” Holmes said at the time. “He’s got a lot of upside. He’s a big man, he’s athletic, he plays hard. He chases to the ball. I don’t think I’ve seen many 330-, 340-pound guys run to the ball like he does and so when you get that – he’s got some rawness, but we’re really excited about his upside.”
Players develop at different rates. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs and tight end Sam LaPorta came into the NFL this year and were instant impact players in their first seasons, but others may take longer to show their true impact, like linebacker Derrick Barnes and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu.