The San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2025 season with a renewed sense of vigor, and one rookie is already making waves with a bold promise to strike fear into the hearts of opponents. Linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round pick from Oklahoma State, has emerged as a fiery presence in the 49ers’ offseason program, vowing to bring an intensity that will leave adversaries trembling. With the team undergoing a defensive overhaul, Martin’s fearless attitude and relentless work ethic could set the tone for a revitalized San Francisco defense.
A New Breed of Linebacker
Nick Martin, standing at 5-foot-11 and 221 pounds, may not have the prototypical size of an NFL linebacker, but what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in heart and tenacity. Selected with the 11th pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Martin was brought in to help fill the void left by the departure of Dre Greenlaw, who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency. The 49ers saw in Martin a player with the potential to emulate Greenlaw’s ferocity, and early impressions suggest they may have found their next defensive sparkplug.
“Nick Martin wasn’t viewed as a Day 2 prospect entering this year’s draft,” wrote Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report. “The San Francisco 49ers selected him in the third round anyway. Why? Well, they saw something in the Oklahoma State prospect that likens him to Dre Greenlaw.”
Martin’s college career at Oklahoma State showcased his ability to lead and dominate. Known for his play-calling skills and leadership on the field, he was a standout communicator, a trait the 49ers highly value, especially in the absence of Greenlaw. According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the 49ers sought a defender capable of stepping into a leadership role alongside All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, and Martin’s ability to call defensive plays at Oklahoma State made him a perfect fit.
A Promise to Dominate
During the 49ers’ rookie minicamp in May 2025, Martin made headlines with his bold declaration: “I’m here to make opponents tremble. Blood, sweat, and fear—that’s what they’ll face when they line up against me. I’m not just playing for wins; I’m playing to leave a mark.” His words echoed through the locker room, resonating with a team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season where they allowed the fourth-most points in the NFL (25.6 per game).
Martin’s intensity isn’t just talk. His performances in organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp have drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who returned to the 49ers this offseason, has been particularly impressed with Martin’s ability to adapt to the team’s 4-3 defensive scheme. “He’s got that fire,” Saleh said during a press conference. “You can see it in his eyes—he’s not here to just fill a roster spot. He’s here to disrupt.”
Fred Warner, the 49ers’ defensive anchor, also shared encouraging early impressions of Martin. “He’s got the mindset you need to succeed at this level,” Warner said. “He’s hungry, and he’s not afraid to put in the work. That’s the kind of guy you want next to you in the trenches.”
A Defensive Overhaul Fueled by Youth
Martin is part of a broader youth movement on the 49ers’ defense, which saw significant turnover this offseason. The team released veterans like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, opting instead to infuse their defensive line with fresh talent through the draft. San Francisco used their first five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on defensive players, including first-round edge rusher Mykel Williams, defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West, and linebacker Nick Martin. This rookie class is expected to play a significant role in 2025, with Martin projected to compete for a starting spot next to Warner.
The addition of edge rusher Bryce Huff via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles further bolsters the 49ers’ defensive front. Huff, who struggled in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme with the Eagles in 2024, is expected to thrive in Saleh’s 4-3 system, where he previously recorded 10.5 sacks in 2023 with the New York Jets. The 49ers acquired Huff for a Day 3 draft pick, with the Eagles taking on $9.05 million of his $16.75 million salary, leaving San Francisco responsible for a manageable $7.95 million in 2025. This restructured contract also includes a $17.1 million option for 2026, giving the 49ers flexibility moving forward.
Huff’s arrival complements Martin’s aggressive style, as the 49ers aim to create a relentless pass-rushing unit. With Nick Bosa and Huff on the edges, Mykel Williams providing versatility, and Martin anchoring the linebacker corps, San Francisco’s defense is poised to be a force. “You’d have Nick Bosa and Huff on the edges, Mykel Williams bull rushing from 3- or 5-technique, and Yetur Gross-Matos or Sam Okuayinonu up the middle,” wrote Niners Nation. “There are variations of this, of course, where you could have a split front, putting two wide-9 rushers and two 5-techniques, with Fred Warner and another linebacker or nickel flashing A-gap pressure.”
Blood, Sweat, and Fear
Martin’s vow to make opponents tremble is backed by his relentless work ethic and fearless approach to the game. At Oklahoma State, he was known for his ability to play both linebacker and running back, showcasing his versatility and toughness. His charisma off the field—evidenced by his oversized shark slippers and self-taught guitar skills—only adds to his larger-than-life presence. “He’s got a personality that lights up the room,” wrote Matt Barrows. “But on the field, he’s all business.”
ESPN’s Mike Clay projects Martin to record 58 tackles in 2025, second among all rookies at any position, signaling his potential to make an immediate impact. With the 49ers’ defense looking to reclaim its elite status, Martin’s combination of athleticism, leadership, and sheer determination could be the key to turning the unit around.
A Season of Redemption
The 49ers are coming off a challenging 2024 season, marked by injuries and defensive struggles. With a revamped roster, a re-energized coaching staff led by Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh, and a rookie class brimming with potential, San Francisco is poised for a comeback. Nick Martin’s bold promise to bring “blood, sweat, and fear” to the field encapsulates the mentality of a team ready to fight its way back to contention.
As the 49ers prepare for mandatory minicamp in mid-June 2025, all eyes will be on Martin to see if he can back up his words with actions. If his early performances are any indication, opponents across the NFL should indeed be on notice. The rookie linebacker is ready to carve his path to victory—one bone-crushing tackle at a time.