Lions Trade Up, Select DT Brodric Martin with Pick No. 96
The Detroit Lions have traded back into the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
After selecting quarterback Hendon Hooker, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes executed another draft trade, sending picks No. 122, 139 and 169 to the Arizona Cardinals for No. 96.
Defensive tackle Brodric Martin, out of Western Kentucky, became Detroit's sixth selection in this year's draft.
While many pundits believed the team would add a defensive tackle early in the draft, Holmes and the personnel department waited until Day 2 to bolster their defensive line.
Martin started all 14 games for the Hilltoppers in his final collegiate season at Western Kentucky.
According to the Hilltoppers' website, "The Alabama native made 31 tackles on the season, including 1.5 sacks. Martin also forced a fumble, hurried the quarterback seven times throughout the year and broke up two passes. Martin's biggest game of the season came against Indiana when he made six tackles, 0.5 sacks and a quarterback hurry. At the end of the year, he was named C-USA Honorable Mention and earned an invite to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl."
As a result of Detroit's latest draft trade, the team is currently left with only two Day 3 picks.
Barring any trades, Detroit will next select in the fifth round (Pick No. 152).
Picks made by Lions in 2023 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick 12 -- Alabama Crimson Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- Round 1, Pick 18 -- Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell
- Round 2, Pick 34 -- Iowa Hawkeyes TE Sam LaPorta
- Round 2, Pick 45 -- Alabama Crimson Tide DB Brian Branch
- Round 3, Pick 68 -- Tennessee Volunteers QB Hendon Hooker
Remaining picks
- Round 5, Pick 152
- Round 7, Pick 249 (From Chiefs)