49ers bolster defense, select linebacker Nick Martin at No. 75 in 2025 NFL Draft

At the outset of the free-agent signing period, the 49ers might have considered linebacker Dre Greenlaw irreplaceable.But they decided to give it a try on Friday night in the 2025 NFL Draft.The 49ers selected unheralded Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin in the third round with the No. 75 overall selection. Last time the 49ers took a LB in the third round it worked out pretty well … pic.twitter.com/AnnwTnLcBE — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 26, 2025 Martin faces a huge challenge in his quest to win a starting job and replace Greenlaw in the 49ers' defense.Martin enters a good situation with the 49ers because of the player he could be lining up alongside.Fred Warner is a four-time All-Pro who enters his eighth NFL season. He is a well-rounded player who possesses the kind of leadership skills to assist in a young linebacker's transition to the NFL.Martin could be in line to replace Greenlaw, whose aggressive style of play helped set the tone for the 49ers' defense during his six years with the organization.Martin (5-foot-11 1/2, 221 pounds) had a huge junior season, as he registered 140 tackles, six sacks and 16 tackles for loss. His senior season was cut short, as...