Fred Warner, the clear top linebacker in the NFL today, has had some great running mates during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Unfortunately, his closest peers are no longer with the team. First, Azeez Al-Shaair left the team in 2023, and most recently, Dre Greenlaw left to join the Denver Broncos in free agency this offseason. The good news, though, is the team still has Warner, as well as a history of finding and developing really good linebackers.
While it’s too early to tell, the 49ers may have already found Warner’s next running mate. In the third round of the 2025 Draft— the same round Warner was selected back in 2018 —San Francisco selected linebacker Nick Martin. It’s unclear what Martin will be in the NFL, but Warner’s recent words about his new teammate are enough to get fans excited about the rookie linebacker’s future.
Martin was highlighted in a recent Bleacher Report piece about rookies that already look like a draft-day steal, and most of the praise in the write up were Fred Warner quotes. The perennial All-Pro linebacker has been impressed with Martin’s on-field ability, and even more impressed with his demeanor off the field.
Fred Warner is already speaking highly of rookie linebacker Nick Martin
The veteran linebacker explained that Martin has already displayed his athleticism and closing speed, as well as his thirst for knowledge. Martin is taking full advantage of playing alongside the best linebacker in football, asking him questions about every step of the process, hoping that he can map out a similar career for himself.
Warner made it clear that he loves being able to play this mentor role, and Martin obviously loves it as well. Months before he was drafted by the 49ers, he revealed that Ray Lewis and Fred Warner are his favorite players, and Warner’s jersey is the only one he ever bought. Now, he’ll be in his own jersey playing alongside Warner.
