Finding recent NFL Draft "busts" for the Detroit Lions is a bit like being a paleontologist, I would imagine. The Lions have been absolutely locked in when it comes to the NFL Draft in recent years which is why this team is considered one of the best and most well-rounded in the entire NFL heading into the 2025 offseason.
The Lions are deep. They know how to find culture fits. They know what they need. They know what works. They have virtually not missed when it comes to premium draft capital in recent years.
But there are still some picks that just don't appear to be working out. While the word "bust" is harsh, sometimes it's warranted and it doesn't necessarily mean that a guy can't figure things out going forward. It may, however, mean that the Lions can't bank on these guys figuring it out in their program and they might have to go another direction in 2025.
Which recent draft picks might be considered "busts" heading into the 2025 offseason?
1. Brodric Martin, DL (2023 3rd-Round Pick)
Given the fact that the Detroit Lions have been in such desperate need of help on the defensive side of the ball over the last two years, especially in 2024 due to injuries on that side of the ball, it's a shame that we haven't gotten the chance to see 2023 3rd-round pick Brodric Martin actually out there doing his thing.
The Lions had an absolutely loaded 2023 NFL Draft class overall and Martin was part of that as a top-100 selection overall. The former Western Kentucky star was the 96th overall pick by Detroit and while you can never guarantee anything from any pick slot, that's a player you expect to make an impact within his first two seasons.
Unfortunately, Martin has been limited to just five games over the last two years and a total of 53 snaps within those five games. You've got to be able to stay on the field in the NFL in order to get to a second contract and unfortunately, Martin is looking like he's going to be headed to some reserve/futures contract type deals in the future if he doesn't get it going in 2025.