It's the dawn of a new era for the San Francisco 49ers' defense. Culture-defining stars like Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, and Dre Greenlaw have been dispersed among the AFC, leaving openings at key defensive positions.
The Niners have spent most of their resources this offseason bulking up the defense, adding physical players who can shut down opponents' rushing attacks.
One of those new additions is set to compete for a starting job as a rookie.
49ers may be relying on rookie Nick Martin to hold a starting role
The 49ers sent a clear message in April's draft: They're done being pushed around on defense. Each of San Francisco's first five selections was on defense, including four front-seven players.
While some of the 49ers' rookies may play limited roles this season, linebacker Nick Martin is set to compete for a starting job.
San Francisco drafted former Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. At the time, the pick was labeled a reach by many NFL experts.
If Martin ends up winning a starting job and performing at a high level as a rookie, nobody will remember his pre-draft ranking.
Heading into training camp, Martin is set to compete with Dee Winters for the starting WILL linebacker position. Winters filled in for Dre Greenlaw most of last season when Greenlaw was sidelined with an injury.
Due to his experience in the role, Winters is the early favorite to land the starting job. But Martin was already drawing attention at minicamp. The Athletic's Matt Barrows reported that "The velocity with which [Martin] closes in on ball carriers stands out, and his training camp battle with Winters might be the best of the summer."
While Martin may end up taking the spot on the depth chart that Greenlaw once held, the two are very different players. When watching Martin play in college, two things stand out. First, he has the speed and agility to track down ball carriers from sideline to sideline. Second, he's excellent in pass coverage.
At just 221 pounds, Martin is undersized for an NFL linebacker. At the professional level, he'll have to use his instincts and athleticism to overcome that lack of size.
If Martin does take on a starting role, it will be a huge risk for San Francisco. Rookie linebackers often have trouble finding immediate success in the NFL. The speed and physicality of the professional game can give rookies headaches.
But, with All-Pro Fred Warner beside him on the field and coordinator Robert Saleh coaching him from the sideline, Martin is in the perfect position to thrive as a rookie.
When training camp kicks off later this month, most of the attention will likely go to newly-extended quarterback Brock Purdy or first-round pick Mykel Williams.
But the battle between Winters and Martin for a starting linebacker spot may be the most intriguing story to watch.