Grading 49ers selection of athletic, undersized LB in 3rd round of NFL draft
Grading 49ers selection of athletic, undersized LB in 3rd round of NFL draft
The San Francisco 49ers mostly followed the consensus public draft board for their first two picks in this year's draft. They went off the board when they selected Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin with their first pick in Round 3.
Taking a linebacker No. 75 overall isn't a terrible idea considering the 49ers need to find a replacement for Dre Greenlaw. Martin has a lot of the tools that should allow him to fill that role. He has sideline-to-sideline speed and good instincts to get downhill and stick his nose in against the run. Martin also shows off good football IQ when diagnosing screens.
A major problem with Martin as a prospect is that he's pretty undersized even for a Will LB. He measured in at 5-11, 221 pounds. That was a problem at times when offensive linemen got into the second level to get hands on him. However, getting hands on him isn't easy because he's so quick and effective at navigating blocks.
The upside is clear with this choice, but there's a significant injury red flag. He missed the final seven games of last season with a right knee injury. According to Pokes Report it was an MCL sprain that cost him his season.
Martin did run a 40-yard dash at the NFL combine. He also did the vertical and broad jumps but skipped the three-cone and shuttle.
The pre-injury 2023 season is the one that brings the most optimism for Martin. In 2023 when he played a full 14-game season he posted a whopping 140 tackles with six sacks (and 30 pressures per PFF). That was also the year he pulled down both of his career interceptions.
In four seasons at Oklahoma State, Martin put up 203 total tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks and four pass breakups.
It may have been a bit of a reach because of the knee injury and size, but the upside with Martin and his athleticism is clear. The 49ers will need him to produce quickly to help bolster the second level of their defense.
Grade: B-
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