Aaron Glenn Addresses Concerns along Interior of Lions' Defensive Line

The Detroit Lions' defense is seeking drastic improvements in 2023.

One of the biggest question marks heading into the start of the Detroit Lions' 2023 season is the interior of the defensive line. 

Last season, teams were able to take advantage at times of Detroit's rush defense, contributing to the slow start in the first half of the season. 

Many pundits believed Detroit's front office would target one of the top draft prospects early in the draft to boost the interior, but it ended up selecting Brodric Martin in the third round. In doing so, the organization passed on multiple notable defensive linemen, including Jalen Carter and Tyree Wilson. 

Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, when asked about the defensive line concerns, indicated the players brought back and the 6-foot-5, 330-pound Martin will be able to execute at a high level. 

"Here’s what I feel a coach should do. You coach the players you’ve got," said Glenn. "You saw in the second half of the season how (Isaiah) Buggs played, how (Alim McNeill) Mac played. And now going to get a guy of Brodric (Martin)’s size and length, and even some of these undrafted free agents that we got. I think these guys are going to help us also." 

In the second half of the season, Detroit's defense did become more stout against the run, resulting in drastically improved defensive performances that were integral in Detroit winning eight of its final 10 games.

"The thing is, you coach who you’ve got, and you build a scheme to where they can be successful and you figure it out as you go, what they can do best and try to help them as much as possible," said Glenn. "So, I have all the confidence in the world in the guys that we’ve got, and I do believe those guys will do a really great job. I do believe that.”