5 young SF 49ers players who look like emerging ballers
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers Linebacker Dre Greenlaw
The next player on this list shouldn’t be much of a surprise at all.
While the Niners’ 2019 NFL Draft class was highlighted by EDGE Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, linebacker Dre Greenlaw is helping turn in that class into one of the best put together by John Lynch and Co.
Greenlaw, who rose to prominence his rookie season, is already the team’s second-best linebacker behind Fred Warner. And San Francisco sure missed his absence in Week 3 against Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, whose rushing prowess was essentially the only legitimate threat New York mustered during the game.
Despite being out with a quad injury in Week 3, Greenlaw remains one of the best coverage linebackers in the league right now, boasting an elite-level 90.6 pass-coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
One of his passes defended in Week 1 led to an interception, showing why targeting Greenlaw isn’t exactly a good idea for opposing quarterbacks.
Considering the SF 49ers’ current cap situation, it would be a wise move for the Niners to consider moving on from the veteran linebacker, Kwon Alexander, and promote Greenlaw to a more prominent role next season.
Greenlaw has done everything to earn that nod.