The Niners stayed on the defensive side of the ball with their third-round pick.
The San Francisco 49ers selected Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin with their first third-round pick at No. 75, aiming to find a replacement for Dre Greenlaw.
Martin stands out as an intriguing choice, being one of the most unique athletes at his position in this draft class. Even though his height (5’11 1/2) and weight (221 pounds) are on the shorter and lighter side for NFL linebackers, he showcases exceptional athleticism and agility, allowing him to cover the field effectively.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic noted, “Martin was a two-year starter at Oklahoma State, playing as a Mike linebacker in former defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo’s 3-3-5 scheme. He gained attention as a sophomore, recording over 140 tackles in 2023, and was on track for another strong season in 2024 before a right knee injury sidelined him.
“With a build more akin to a muscular safety, Martin is agile with the burst and sideline-to-sideline range necessary for a run-and-chase linebacker. His tackle production is impressive, but his average length and strength at the point of attack may limit his effectiveness against NFL blockers. While he may not meet the typical size expectations for the position, his athleticism could give him a shot as a Will linebacker, and he could also contribute significantly on special teams and be the first substitute on defense.”
Despite a serious knee injury in 2024, it doesn’t seem to have negatively impacted his draft stock.
Although there are some concerns about his height and weight, Martin is an aggressive linebacker with excellent athletic skills, reminiscent of Greenlaw—whose absence the 49ers felt acutely last season.
Martin can be overly aggressive at times, but that style is favored by the 49ers, and he possesses decent arm length (31 3/4 inches) for his size. In 2023, he excelled as a run defender, recording 66 run stops in 14 games, according to PFF, and he also shows promise as a blitzer, which could be an asset for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
Overall, while some may view this pick as a stretch at No. 75, it aligns well with San Francisco’s playing style and their need for a secondary linebacker. The 49ers have invested time in evaluating him throughout the draft process, having met with him at the combine and subsequently held a Zoom call with linebackers coach Johnny Holland.
Historically, the 49ers have managed to make smaller linebackers work effectively, and Martin demonstrated considerable productivity in college, surpassing 140 tackles as a junior.
However, given the depth of this draft class and the issues the team faced in stopping the run in 2024, this pick needs to pan out quickly.
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