SF 49ers: 5 backups who’ll be starters by end of 2020 season
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers Linebacker Dre Greenlaw
Technically, second-year linebacker Dre Greenlaw is a starter already. He’s the primary option for the strong-side (SAM) backer on base downs.
But with teams using nickel packages in today’s pass-happy NFL roughly 60 percent of the time, the SAM linebacker often finds himself coming off the field and being relegated to a situational or backup player. In the SF 49ers’ case, the starting tandem of Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander are the ones penciled in to see the majority of defensive snaps from this position.
It’s time for San Francisco to swap Greenlaw with Alexander, though.
Through three weeks, Alexander already has racked up three missed tackles, tied for most on the team with K’Waun Williams, and has a missed-tackle rate of 15.8 percent — also second most to Williams. Additionally, Alexander’s Pro Football Focus grade is a lowly 55.0, and one could safely make the argument the Niners are better off with Greenlaw assuming a bigger role over Alexander for the rest of the season.
Especially considering Alexander and his hefty $16.5 million potential cap hit in 2021 could end up resulting in a cap casualty.
For what it’s worth, Greenlaw has yet to miss a tackle this season and boasts a 71.5 overall PFF grade.