The Detroit Lions have depth along the defensive line, allowing the coaching staff to bring rookie defensive lineman Brodric Martin along slowly.
Through the first five games, Detroit's third-round draft pick has yet to be active on game day.
Isaiah Buggs and Benito Jones, along with Alim McNeill have had productive starts to the season, allowing the young rookie to develop and improve on a weekly basis.
While defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn would not reveal when Martin would debut, his work against the offensive line has produced fundamental improvement with Martin's technique.
“Well I can’t exactly say when he’s gonna play, but I’ll tell you what, I like where he’s at. I like how he’s improving," said Glenn. "That’s what we talk about with that player all the time. As far as his awareness, as far as how we play defense for the most part. Excited about that player still. He’s still a big body that can move. Each week, him getting a chance to go against our O-line is the best thing he can really have.”
Recall, James Houston spent time on the practice squad before making an immediate impact last season.
Glenn did understand the correlation, but reiterated the benefits a lot of defensive players will have matching up against one of the league's top offensive lines.
“I don’t know about that. James Houston came out of nowhere to be honest. We knew he had talent, but man, the rise that Houston had going against our O-line was outstanding," said Glenn. "It’s somewhat similar because he’s getting a chance to go against a good O-line and being able to practice those techniques that we’re teaching.”
When asked what Martin had been improving upon, Detroit's third-year coordinator noted the 24-year-old was working on lateral agility and hand placement.
“Lateral agility, for one, and he’s working on that after practice like every day," Glenn said. "That’s the first thing. The second thing is hand placement. That’s something that’s been different for him, where he’s putting his hands and just understanding the way we play defense.”
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