The Bears are showing interest in a player who fails to fit regular defensive parameters and it could be a sign of how they've changed schemes and defensive coordinators.
According to Chris Fowler of ESPN, the Bears are one of three teams to set up 30 visits with Oklahoma State linebacker Nickolas Martin.
While Fowler refers to Martin as "one of the most explosive defenders in the class," the same respect hasn't been shown to him by draft analysis. Mel Kiper doesn't rank Martin in his top 10 for off-ball linebackers and the NFL Mock Draft Data Base considers him a seventh-round pick.
Martin's performance at the scouting combine should have opened up some eyes, although if they had been watching him long enough they knew about him.
Thoroughly impressed with Oklahoma State LB Nick Martin (4).
Electric athlete, elite closing speed, a ballplayer that deserves consideration as one of the country’s premier LBs.
Not many defenders at any level that can chase down Xavier Worthy. 140 tkls last fall. pic.twitter.com/8uUKEgy3eF
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) July 12, 2024
He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, which was fifth best for linebackers. His vertical leap of 38 inches was tied for fourth among linebackers. He also tied for the most reps at 225 pounds in the bench press with 26.
There can be little doubt the reason Martin gets less respect is his size. He is a 5-foot-11 1/2, 221-pound linebacker. It probably doesn't help that he only played five games last season as a result of a knee injury.
Studying #OklahomaState LB Nickolas Martin this morning.
⬆️ Guy is a ball of lightning at linebacker. Severely undersized but excellent range. I like the play temperament.
⬇️ Plays a bit TOO fast at times and his gap discipline needs a lot of work in the run game. pic.twitter.com/hDNFAPQtUq
— Fran Duffy (@FDuffyNFL) September 10, 2024
When completely healthy, Martin was a tackling machine in his 2023 season, leading the Big 12 in solo tackles with 83 and assists with 57.
In the scheme run by Matt Ebeflus, Martin would have been shown the door or a place on the practice squad because of his size but the new Bear scheme relies on pressure at all points and not sitting back in zone coverage, where height and length are more critical.
Quinn Ewers never even saw him 😳
Nickolas Martin sets up Oklahoma State with a 1st and goal. pic.twitter.com/iYNHDB6ZTE
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) December 2, 2023
It could be the Bears see Martin as a big safety type at his size, or like another undersized linebacker in the division who has become known as a playmaker, Minnesota's Ivan Pace Jr.
The Bears have no pressing need at linebacker for this year with both inside linebackers under contract but T.J. Edwards' deal expires after this season. After Jack Sanborn left for Dallas as an untendered restricted free agent
Oklahoma State LB Nickolas Martin on what he worked on the most in the offseason leading up to the 2025 Big 12 Pro Day.
More on https://t.co/zBxcA5Y2rJ@tkconfidential_ pic.twitter.com/BlokNROrus
— Toni Wetmore (@ToniWetmore) March 20, 2025
When Sanborn left, third-year linebacker Noah Sewell inherited the strong side spot and they retained backup Amen Ogbongbemiga in free agency. They also have off-season acquisition Swayze Bozeman and former practice squad player Carl Jones.
Linebackers have been treated like old newspaper by the NFL of late, inheriting the role that had plagued running backs until last year's revival by Saquon Barkley and a flock of free agents.
Really nice rep here from Oklahoma State LB Nickolas Martin. Locates the ball well and prevents the catch pic.twitter.com/1mvS3QN8E3
— Jack Brentnall (@Jack_Brentnall) January 30, 2025
While the running back surge continues with this draft, the same can't be said for linebackers. After Roquan Smith was sent to the Ravens by Bears GM Ryan Poles and received an extension that paid him $20 million a year, no one has challenged that figure at his position. And, in fact, the Bears' Tremaine Edmunds remains the third-highest paid actual off-ball linebacker at $18 million a year.
Spotrac.com lists only seven linebackers making over $12 million a year who are not edge rushers.
Lookling for linebacker help later in the draft makes sense for that reason, and also because of special teams possibilities as a result of Martin's athleticism.
I spoke to Oklahoma State LB Nickolas Martin, who discussed why his coverage ability at the #SeniorBowl has been so important for his NFL draft stock, the underrated aspects of playing the linebacker position, and what type of scheme he wants to play in at the NFL level. pic.twitter.com/1QXK2SXboL
— Thomas Christopher (@ThomasCP_NFL) January 30, 2025
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