49ers 2019 training camp: 5 players who are impressing early

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BATON ROUGE, LA – NOVEMBER 14: Dre Greenlaw #23 of the Arkansas Razorbacks pursues Brandon Harris #6 of the LSU Tigers during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium on November 14, 2015 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Linebacker Dre Greenlaw

It’s pretty likely rookie linebacker Dre Greenlaw makes his way onto the 49ers’ 53-man roster to start the season. While this isn’t a guarantee for fifth-round NFL Draft picks, question marks about injuries at linebacker almost mandate Greenlaw’s addition.

The 49ers are slowly bringing along their high-profile free-agent pickup, Kwon Alexander, after he tore his ACL in 2018. Second-year linebacker Fred Warner also underwent a minor procedure earlier during the offseason.

And with veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith‘s future with the team uncertain, Greenlaw should relish the opportunity to see a lot of first-team reps.

Greenlaw did during organized team activities, and that’s the case again during training camp, according to Chris Biderman.

“Greenlaw had at least two tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage on run plays and has the speed to cover ground in coverage,” Biderman wrote after Saturday’s sessions.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner also pointed out how often Greenlaw was around the ball, too — a very likable trait for linebackers.

It’s still unclear what role Greenlaw will hold his rookie season. Early on, though, it seems as if he’s making the absolute most of his opportunities.