Training camp will decide who is Warner’s running mate
The San Francisco 49ers defense has its starters. Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West will likely be the base-down defensive linemen, with Yetur Gross-Matos filling in on passing downs. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green will man the outside cornerback positions, and when healthy, Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown will start at safety. Fred Warner is your starting middle linebacker, but who will be his running mate in 2025?
The 49ers selected LB Nick Martin from Oklahoma State with the 75th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Although Martin only played five games in 2024, the 6’1” linebacker earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2023 with 140 tackles, the most by an OSU player in nearly four decades.
49ers left tackle Trent Williams revealed Martin suffered a hand fracture while lifting weights, but the injury won’t cost the rookie any time and he will be ready to go for training camp.
#49ers rookie LB Nick Martin has reportedly broke his thumb during a workout, according to Trent Williams
via @TXK_Gameday pic.twitter.com/4RERvTiAWP
— (@TheSFNiners) June 20, 2025
Then there is Dee Winters. The 49ers selected the former TCU linebacker with the 218th selection of the 2023 NFL Draft. After logging just 62 snaps in 2023, Winters had an expanded role filling in for the injured Dre Greenlaw. However, Winters would struggle to stay on the field consistently while dealing with injuries in 2024.
The good news? Winters finished 2024 strong with three straight games over 50 snaps, including the final two with 62 snaps each. Of Winters’ 398 total defensive snaps, 175 were tallied in the final three games. With 16 total tackles and eight defensive stops, the second-year linebacker showed his largest stretch of play in the NFL. A concern would be coverage, as Winters allowed 14 receptions on 17 targets. Funny enough, PFF graded Winters with an 80.0 coverage grade despite allowing 75.9% of his targets for catches.
So, what will the 49ers opt to do in 2025? Well, the simple answer is a full-blown training camp competition between the two linebackers. While Winters does have a leg up with NFL experience, it can be argued that with Robert Saleh back in the fold, both Winters and Martin are on equal footing with the tweaked and improved defensive scheme.
It will be interesting to see which qualities the 49ers value during the competition. Martin’s draft investment cannot be ignored, as a top-100 pick is significant draft capital. Winters will have to prove he can consistently stay on the field and impact the defense. Let the best man win.