Many fans have been wondering when the San Francisco 49ers will see what they have in rookie third-round pick Nick Martin. After all, this is a defense that has struggled mightily since Fred Warner dislocated his ankle a month ago.

For much of the season, Martin was a healthy scratch. Martin’s season debut came in Week 7 on special teams. Since then, he’s played on the kickoff, and both kick and punt return teams—no defensive snaps. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if there have been discussions about letting Martin learn the strongside linebacker role, in hopes of getting him on the field.

Shanahan, adamantly, doesn’t believe that’s what’s best for Martin at this point: “Yeah, there are discussions about it, and if we think that’s the best thing to do for the team, we’ll do it, but we

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