We’ve entered the portion of the offseason where roster projections start taking center stage. Training camps are almost here, and NFL teams must begin the process of trimming their 90-man rosters down to 53. It’s a thrilling part of the calendar, but not an enjoyable one for players teetering on the roster bubble.

After enduring one of the most injury-heavy seasons in recent memory, the Detroit Lions focused on bolstering depth across all units. That way, if misfortune strikes again, they’ll be better equipped. On the defensive line, they added rookies Tyleik Williams and Ahmed Hassanein, retained Levi Onwuzurike, and brought in Roy Lopez.

With DJ Reader and Alim McNeill slotted in as starters, competition is fierce — which doesn’t bode well for Brodric Martin, who seems to be sliding out of the picture.

When Detroit drafted Martin with the 96th overall pick from Western Kentucky, they believed they were getting a physically gifted interior presence — a big-bodied disruptor with upside and effort.

Two years later, Martin remains a mystery, perhaps even more so than when he was drafted in 2023. At 6-foot-5 and 320 pounds, the 26-year-old was always considered a developmental piece — valued more for his rare build than for collegiate stats. The hope was he’d evolve over time and become a long-term partner next to McNeill. That hasn’t happened.

Now two seasons in, Martin has played in just five games and has only four total tackles. He’s yet to register a single tackle for loss, quarterback hit, or sack. Calling his stint underwhelming for a third-round pick feels generous.

Injuries haven’t helped either. A hyperextended knee derailed most of his 2024 campaign, placing him on IR until late November. He returned for just two contests, tallying 25 total snaps and one tackle. Even before the injury, he wasn’t producing, and afterward, he was mainly a healthy inactive — not a good sign.

Lions GM Brad Holmes has also gone on record about Martin’s lack of development, further signaling his shaky status heading into camp.

And this isn’t the first time his future in Detroit has been questioned this offseason. That, too, speaks volumes.

Unless something changes quickly, Martin appears destined to be left out. Detroit no longer has the luxury to wait for a player who can’t contribute. With so many reinforcements added, the message is clear. In a 2023 draft class filled with wins, Martin is looking like one colossal whiff.