ESPN expects 'fearless' draft pick to make immediate impact for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers used their first two draft selections to reinforce the defensive line, aiming to build a dominant front for years to come. In the third round, they addressed another defensive need by selecting Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin, who could help fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw's departure to the Denver Broncos.

ESPN's Field Yates recently ranked non-first-round rookies poised to make an immediate impact, placing Martin at No. 5 among defensive players.

"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 showed off his versatility at Oklahoma State, excelling as a pass rusher from the linebacker position. He tallied 30 total pressures and earned a 73.4 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023, then improved to an impressive 84.4 mark during an injury-shortened 2024 season.

"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."

Following his selection at No. 75 overall, Martin was asked about his aggressive playing 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 possibilities Martin brings to their defense, especially the potential of him lining up next to All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner for years to come.