Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin is emerging as a notable prospect ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft, drawing attention for his productivity and potential role at the professional level. While projections vary, evaluation of his college career suggests a future primarily centered on special teams contributions.
Martin, an undersized but physically strong player, built a reputation as a tackling force in the Big 12 conference. In 2023, he stood out as one of only six players in college football's FBS division to record 140 or more total tackles, showcasing his ability to consistently find the ball carrier.
Despite his impressive tackle volume, Martin's profile includes some limitations. He recorded a career missed tackle rate of 13.2%, slightly increasing to 15.5% in 2024. Additionally, his effectiveness in pass coverage was not a consistent strength during his time with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
However, his athletic traits are evident. Martin tested well at the NFL Scouting Combine, posting a 4.53-second time in the 40-yard dash and demonstrating explosive lower body power with a 38-inch vertical jump. These numbers complement his noted short-area burst and ability to close quickly on opponents.
A significant part of Martin's value proposition for the NFL lies in his extensive experience on special teams. He accumulated 397 special teams snaps in college, logging 11 tackles in that phase during the 2022 season alone. This background positions him as a potential asset on NFL coverage and return units from day one.
Draft analysts see a path for Martin to make an impact through his physicality and effort. He is described as a violent mover with good acceleration and the ability to attack gaps effectively as a blitzer. His competitiveness and prior performance, including earning First-Team All-Big-12 honors, indicate a player capable of competing for a roster spot.
Concerns remain regarding his size and length, which could present challenges when attempting to shed blocks from larger NFL offensive linemen. While he possesses sideline-to-sideline range, a potential move to safety appears unlikely due to a perceived lack of fluidity in space.
Ultimately, Nick Martin projects as a player likely to find his niche as a core special teams contributor with the possibility of earning snaps in specific sub-packages on defense, leveraging his blitzing ability and run support instincts. More details on his outlook and other prospects can be found in draft scouting reports. https://www.si.com/nfl/giants/draft/they-might-be-giants-2025-draft-prospect-scouting-reports-01jhha2vcbqz
One teammate offered insight into Martin's character, with Ollie Gordon II stating that Martin is “the most caring guy ever”.
