The Detroit Lions have officially moved on from two recent draft picks, quarterback Hendon Hooker and defensive lineman Brodric Martin. Both were released during final roster cuts this week, and on Thursday, general manager Brad Holmes addressed the tough decisions.
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Holmes on the Risk of Draft Picks
Speaking about the selections of Hooker and Martin, Holmes was clear about the challenges that come with evaluating young talent.
“All you can do is put all the work in and feel good when you take the player. I feel there’s risk involved with every single player,” Holmes said. “Unfortunately they did not meet expectations in a timely manner.”
What It Means for Detroit
Hooker was viewed as a developmental quarterback when drafted in 2023, while Martin was selected to help bolster the defensive line. Neither player was able to carve out a long-term role in Detroit, and both now look to reset their careers elsewhere.
For Holmes and the Lions, the decisions reinforce the reality of the NFL: draft picks come with risk, and sometimes the investment doesn’t yield results as quickly as teams need.