The San Francisco 49ers selected Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin with the 11th pick (No. 75 overall) in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Martin met with the 49ers at the Senior Bowl and had a formal meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine.
NFL Scouting Combine:
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Martin posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds, a vertical jump of 38 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, 3 inches, and 26 reps on the bench press.
Measurements:
Martin is 6-foot and 221 pounds. Additionally, he boasts an arm length of 31 3/4 inches and hands measuring 9 1/4 inches.
Hometown:
Texarkana, TX
College Statistics:
Martin registered 47 tackles (eight for a loss), a sack, two passes defensed, and a forced fumble through five games as a senior in 2024, per Sports Reference. Over his four collegiate seasons, he recorded 203 tackles (24 for a loss), seven sacks, two passes defensed, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
| Statistical Rundown | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Solo | Ast | Comb | TFL | Sk | Int | |||||||
| 2021 | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | FR | LB | 3 | 1 | -- | 1 | -- | 0 | -- | |||||||
| 2022 | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | FR | LB | 13 | 10 | 5 | 15 | -- | 0 | -- | |||||||
| 2023 | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | SO | LB | 14 | 83 | 57 | 140 | 16 | 6 | 2 | |||||||
| 2024 | Oklahoma State | Big 12 | SR | LB | 5 | 28 | 19 | 47 | 8 | 1 | -- | |||||||
| Total | 35 | 122 | 81 | 203 | 24 | 7 | 2 | |||||||||||
Lance Zierlein's NFL.com scouting report:
Two-year starter who missed a big chunk of the 2024 season with a knee injury. Martin's career snap experience is relatively low, but his monstrous 2023 production is eye-catching. He too frequently misreads play design or fails to locate the football, which leads to badly missed run fits. He gets stuck on blocks but has the speed and athleticism to pile up tackles when he stays clean. He can blitz but struggles in coverage, so shining on special teams might be mandatory for Martin to make a team as a backup.
NFL.com Draft Bio:
- 2021: Redshirted. Played in 3 games as a reserve (1 tackle).
- 2022: Played in all 13 games as a reserve and on special teams (15 tackles).
- 2023: First-team All-Big 12 Conference. Ranked seventh in the FBS with 140 total tackles (most at OSU since 1984) and ranked third with 83 solo tackles. Led team with 16 TFLs, tied for the team lead with 6 sacks. Team captain. Started all 14 games (2 INT, FF).
- 2024: Started 5 games (47 tackles, 7.5 TFLs with 1 sack, 2 PBUs, FF). Missed 7 games due to a knee injury.
Pre-Draft Grade:
Martin earned a pre-draft grade of 5.95 from NFL.com, which equates to an "average backup or special-teams player," per the site's 8-point grading scale.
Projection:
NFL.com projected Martin to be a fourth-round draft pick.
Pro Football Focus Draft Profile:
An injury cut short Martin's 2024 season, after he earned All-Big 12 honors the year prior. His athleticism helped him excel at rushing the passer (84.4 PFF grade) but didn't show up against the run (63.2 PFF grade). Despite volume tackle numbers, he struggles to fit the run and locate the ball, putting him out of position and causing him to miss tackles (15.5%).
Pro Football Focus Big Board:
Martin ranks 307th on Pro Football Focus' big board.
Pro Football Focus Grading:
Martin earned an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 67.1 in 2024.
NFL Draft Buzz Summary:
A heat-seeking missile at the second level, Martin possesses the tools to be a three-down impact player in today's NFL. His elite short-area quickness and instincts allow him to excel in space, making him a prime fit for defenses that prioritize speed and versatility. While his frame raises questions about his ability to consistently take on blocks, Martin's play strength and tackling prowess suggest he can overcome size limitations.
Scheme versatility is a calling card for Martin. He has the skill set to thrive as a WILL in a 4-3 or as an inside backer in a 3-4, with upside as a sub-package rusher. His coverage chops and range make him an ideal matchup weapon against spread offenses and mobile QBs. Martin's ability to contribute on special teams from day one will endear him to coaching staffs as he develops into a full-time defensive role.
Despite limited starting experience, Martin's production against top competition hints at a high ceiling. His instincts, athleticism, and playmaking ability should translate well to the next level. Teams looking for an impact defender capable of staying on the field for all three downs will find Martin an intriguing day two prospect with the potential to outplay his draft position.