SANTA CLARA — The 49ers moved to the second level of defense with their third pick of the 2025 NFL Draft Friday with the selection of linebacker Nick Martin of Oklahoma State.
Martin was selected in the third round with the No. 75 pick overall.
With their first two selections, the 49ers began to rebuild their stripped down defensive line with the selection of Mykel Williams of Georgia Thursday night at No. 11 overall, and then 332-pound defensive tackle Alfred Collins of Texas in the second round Friday night at No. 43.
At 6-foot, 221 pounds and a 4.43 time in the 40-yard dash, Martin is built along the lines of Dre Greenlaw, a 49ers starting linebacker who was sidelined with an Achilles tear for all but 30 snaps last season but signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent.
Martin becomes a candidate to step in and start alongside four-time All-Pro Fred Warner.
“I watch him all the time,” Martin said in a conference call with local writers. “He’s the guy I respect the most at the linebacker position in the league. It’s an honor to work with him and learn from him and be the guy next to him, learning and growing.
“I like his ballhawk mentality, he’s always going after the ball, whether that’s punching it out or interceptions.He’s always around guys with the ball and finding ways to force turnovers. That’s something he’s imprinted on and has mastered.”
Martin excels in space, making him a candidate to assume Greenlaw’s spot, another player he has watched closely.
“I thought they were like the dynamic duo and to be able to come in and be that piece, it’s going to be a fun thing for me and I’m super excited.”
Even Martin’s give-no-quarter philosophy is reminiscent of the way Greenlaw played.
“I’m very athletic, so I like to use that to my advantage,” Martin said. “I’m relentless, thew ay I always go for the kill shot, whether that’s maximum effort or punishing the person with the ball. Just figuring out ways to change the tone of the game.
“I’m explosive and somebody that cares about the guy next to him. I understand no rep should be taken for granted and give my all every down.”
Although the 49ers don’t often blitz their linebackers, Martin believes he has that skill in his toolbox.
“We had certain calls I’d go on the edge,” Martin said. “In ’23, I was more of a balancing rush guy so the front could eat. I would get the feel for it and picked it up pretty easy. Rushing is something I love to do. Who doesn’t like sacking the quarterback? It’s something I consider a great part of my game.”
Other candidates to start at weakside linebacker include Dee Winters and Jalen Graham.
A breakout player in 2023 as a first-team All-Big 12 linebacker with 140 tackles that set a school record. Of some concern is a knee injury that cost him seven game sin 2024. Martin, who described himself as “very athletic and relentless,” said there is no need for concern.
“I had an MCL tear, I healed from it, I didn’t have surgery and went to the combine,” Martin said. “I’m 100 percent.”
The 49ers are scheduled for another pick in the third round, No. 100 overall. Barring trades, the 49ers will be looking for bargains with eight picks in Rounds 4 through 7 with No. 113, No. 138, No. 147, No. 160, No 227, No 249 and No. 252.