Beefing up the defensive line was a clear priority for the San Francisco 49ers, demonstrated by the team using their first two draft selections on the position. Their defensive reinforcements didn't end there, as the team drafted linebacker Nick Martin out of Oklahoma State in the second round, in hopes that he can help fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw's departure.
Greenlaw left the bay for the mountains, signing with the Denver Broncos. ESPN's Field Yates recently ranked non-first-round rookies based on their potential to be immediate impact player, and Martin was the fifth-highest rated defenseman.
"The 49ers entered the draft with a need at one starting linebacker spot after Dre Greenlaw left in free agency, and Martin can fill it," Yates wrote. "He lacks ideal size at 6-foot and 197 pounds, but he makes up for it with electric speed and a fearless nature on every snap."
Martin was especially prolific in the pass-rush at Oklahoma State. He tallied 30 total pressures with a 73.4 pass-rush grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023. Martin dealt with injuries in 2024, and while his total pressure number didn't match his 2023 mark, his pass-rush grade of 84.4 clears his previous year's mark.
"Martin showed legitimate pass-rush instincts in 2023, too, with six sacks," Yates added. "And while he was injured for most of 2024, his 140 tackles in 2023 were the most by any Oklahoma State player since 1984."
Martin was selected with the No. 75 overall pick, and is known as an uber aggressive player. After being selected, Martin was asked about his play style.
"I'm relentless, the way I always go for the kill shot, whether that's maximum effort or punishing a person with the ball," Martin said. "Just figuring out ways to just change the tone of the game, and I'm explosive."
The 49ers are excited about the potential Martin brings to their defense. They're hopeful he can be a disruptive pairing with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for the foreseeable future.