Nick Martin’s film study paints a picture of a fast, decisive Will linebacker who is visibly improving his read-and-react skills. Across multiple reps he explosively fills the run lanes, swings with his inside shoulder, and even punches the ball out, underscoring why San Francisco has kept him in the will-backup mix behind Fred Warner. The late preseason tape emphasizes his closing speed on outside runs and his knack for locating and terminating the ball carrier, a trait the 49ers love in one-gap schemes.

Meanwhile, San Francisco is leaning into a young defensive line and a rapid, speed-based linebacker corps. Jordan Jefferson’s waiver addition and Kalia Davis’ power presence give the front seven more depth, while Nick Martin’s continued growth could push him into a bigger role if Warner’s health limits him. The Seahawks loom as Week 1’s test, with run-heavy plan-building that could expose depth issues if injuries bite the receiving corps. Fantasy managers should monitor Martin closely as late preseason ticks toward real counts, especially in leagues that reward speed and tackle upside.

Overall, the 49ers are betting on a speedy, aggressive defense that thrives on fast diagnosis and violent finishes. Nick Martin is at the center of that evaluation, and his trajectory could meaningfully shift depth charts as the regular season approaches. Watch for how the linebacking corps and the disruptive youth up front translate to real-game impact and the occasional splash play that could matter in fantasy depth charts.