Niner Noise
FanSided

Cowboys vs 49ers: 5 top performances from preseason Week 1

By Robert Morrison

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers talk with each other during pregame warm ups prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 10: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 and head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers talk with each other during pregame warm ups prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 10: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys gets tackled from behind by Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – AUGUST 10: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys gets tackled from behind by Dre Greenlaw #57 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: LB Dre Greenlaw

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw went into this matchup as one of the more-watched members of the defense, especially given how few of the 49ers’ starters even suited up for the game.

And while there were definitely moments where Greenlaw showed himself to be the rookie that he is, overall, the former Arkansas linebacker proved he has the motor to make an impact at the NFL level.

Greenlaw was much faster than his combine 40-time would suggest, showcased a nose for the ball (he finished with six tackles, including one for loss) and produced a nasty hit on a punt return later in the game, indicating a versatility that will be useful for the 49ers this season.

It wasn’t a perfect game, as he bit badly on a play-action pass completion on the Cowboys’ second drive, and quarterback Cooper Rush made him pay, completing a pass to his wide-open tight end Blake Jarwin. But to be fair, veteran linebacker David Mayo was also plenty fooled on the play.

Greenlaw’s professional debut cements the linebacker in the conversation to get a few looks starting next to fellow linebackers Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander on the 49ers’ defense. If nothing else, even when he makes mistakes, he has demonstrated the ability to find the ball and make the tackle.

Next. 49ers vs. Cowboys: Preseason grades and analysis. dark

This skill will be invaluable, even if the rookie linebacker is merely a depth piece and key member on special teams for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019.