Devy Diamonds: Nickolas Martin Jr, Linebacker, Oklahoma State
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Martin Jr. was a four-star prospect out of Pleasant Grove High School in Texarkana, Texas. He had 14 offers before deciding on his top three universities. Kansas State, Oklahoma State, and Texas Tech all cut when it came to making his collegiate decision. In October of 2020, he announced his commitment to Oklahoma State.
Martin saw minimal playing time during his true freshman campaign giving him reason to redshirt that year. During his redshirt freshman season (year two in college) he saw action in nine games. Through those nine games, he only recorded 15 total tackles.
As a redshirt sophomore Martin Jr. had his breakout campaign. Not only was he a top defender for Oklahoma State, but he was the top tackler in the BIG12 while also being fifth in tackles in the entire nation. He recorded 140 total tackles with six sacks and a pair of interceptions. Plus, his physicality when tackling allowed him to obtain one forced fumble. His 30 total pressures and 66 run stops show that he attacks with velocity.
Strengths:
- Pure Tackler. He is a reliable tackler with a low miss rate. He excels in open-field situations, consistently bringing down ball carriers with solid technique and physicality.
- Versatility. He can play multiple linebacker positions effectively, whether inside or outside. His versatility makes him valuable in different schemes. He can shine in hybrid defenses that require linebackers to cover a variety of roles.
- Athleticism. He possesses a good blend of speed, agility, and strength, enabling him to cover ground quickly. Martin’s athleticism also helps him in pass coverage against tight ends or running backs.
- Blitzing. He is an effective blitzer, with the ability to time his rushes well and find gaps in the offensive line. His quick burst and physicality allow him to put consistent pressure on the quarterback.
- Physicality. Martin plays with a strong, aggressive style that is evident in his tackling and shedding of blocks. This physical approach makes him a tough opponent in one-on-one situations. With this, he excels against the run or in coverage.
- Leadership Qualities. He communicates well with his teammates. Often he is rallying the defense, showing maturity and composure in high-pressure situations.
Areas of Improvement
- Coverage Consistency. While he has the athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs, Martin Jr. occasionally struggles with more nuanced route runners. He can be caught out of position or give up separation against quicker receivers.
- Pass Rush Moves. Although effective on blitzes, his repertoire of pass-rush moves is somewhat limited. He relies more on his athleticism and straight-line speed rather than using a variety of techniques to beat blockers.
- Block Shedding. While physical, Martin Jr. sometimes struggles to disengage from blocks, particularly against bigger, more skilled offensive linemen. This can limit his effectiveness against the run when he is unable to shed blockers quickly.
- Lateral Agility. Although fast in a straight line, Martin Jr.’s lateral agility is not as strong, which can make it difficult for him to change direction quickly in space. This can be a liability when facing shifty running backs or quarterbacks who are adept at evading tackles.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: Day Three Pick
Personal Projected Draft Capital: Day Two Pick
Ideal Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys hope to agree on a contract extension with star linebacker Micah Parsons, but with each passing day, that reality grows dim. Parsons has been the leader of the Cowboys’ defense. Losing him would create a significant void that needs to be filled with a player of similar intensity. Although the Cowboys have taken steps to bolster their linebacker corps by drafting Notre Dame’s Marist Liufau and signing veteran Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal, neither brings the same level of impact that a player like Martin could provide. Martin’s natural leadership qualities, combined with his high football IQ, would make him an immediate asset in filling the gap left by Parsons or playing alongside Parsons.
His tackling techniques are among the best in college football. Martin excels in wrapping up ball carriers allowing him to not miss tackles frequently. Having the ability to read plays and a relentless pursuit of the ball will make him a disruptive force at the next level. The Dallas Cowboys have struggled in the tackling department by missing some key tackles and just not having a consistent tackler since 2020 Jaylon Smith. There was hope seen last year with linebacker Damone Clark. The Cowboys rely heavily on their linebackers to control the tempo of the game and shut down opposing offenses. By bringing in Martin, the Cowboys would be investing in a player who can immediately contribute to their defensive success.
Fantasy Impact
Martin Jr. broke out last season showcasing his ability to rack up tackles. As one of the nation’s leaders in tackles, Martin’s productivity on the field translates directly into IDP-style leagues where defensive stats like tackles are crucial. His high tackle count, coupled with his knack for making big plays, such as forced fumbles and sacks, make him a top-tier option in college fantasy football. Managers who have rostered Martin have likely enjoyed a steady stream of points each week, thanks to his relentless pursuit of the ball and ability to be around the action on every down.
Looking ahead to his NFL fantasy football impact, Martin is poised to continue his dominance at the next level, especially if he lands on a team that allows him to be an every-down linebacker. His tackling prowess, mixed with his ability to read offenses quickly, suggests that he will be a consistent point producer for IDP leagues. He has the potential to become a centerpiece of an NFL defense. Martin Jr. could emerge as a must-have linebacker for fantasy teams. If he can translate his college success to the NFL, Martin Jr. could be one of the most valuable defensive players in IDP formats.
Thank you for checking out Devy Diamonds: Nickolas Martin Jr. Follow @TheFFUniverse on X to stay tuned for future Devy Diamonds, our rankings, and much more fantasy football insight to help you stay ahead of your leagues, and check out our Rankings Page. Also, check out the full video breakdown on The Fantasy Football Universe YouTube Channel.
