49ers' Nick Martin eager to learn from Fred Warner, shares MCL injury update

Nick Martin has a golden opportunity to line up next to one of the NFL's best linebackers. After being selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Oklahoma State standout is eager to learn from All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner.

"I watch him all the time," Martin told reporters during a virtual interview shortly after being drafted. "He's like the guy that I respect the most at the linebacker position in the league, so it's an honor to get to work with him and learn from him and be the guy next to him, and just playing with him, and learning and growing. I'm just excited to work with him."

When asked what he admires most about Warner's game, Martin didn't hesitate.

"I like his ball-hawk mentality," he said. "He's always going after the ball, whether that's punching it out or interceptions, and how he's always around the ball, always around the guy with the ball, and just figuring out ways to force turnovers. I think that's something he really just imprinted on, and really mastered and continued to do good at. So, I would say that's something I really pay attention to."

As for his own playing style, Martin emphasized his aggressive and explosive approach.

"I would say I'm very athletic, so I like to use that to my advantage," he said. "I'm relentless, the way I always go for the kill shot, whether that's maximum effort or punishing a person with the ball. Just figuring out ways to just change the tone of the game, and I'm explosive.

"And I'm just somebody that cares about the guy next to him, always willing to give his all for the guy next to him, and understanding that no rep should be taken for granted, and just always just giving my all each and every down."

Martin may be in line to help fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, who signed with the Denver Broncos in free agency. The rookie has long admired the chemistry between Warner and Greenlaw and hopes to replicate that success in the Bay Area.

Martin appeared in only five games last season due to an MCL injury but confirmed he's fully recovered.

"Healed from it, didn't have to have surgery," he said. "And I went into the Combine 100%. Senior Bow was 100% as well, and I'm feeling great right now, so I'm ready to get after it and ready to just prove my name and show the world what I'm about."