The San Francisco 49ers sent LB Dekoda Watson and a sixth-round pick to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a fifth-rounder. And with that pick, they took Arkansas LB Dre Greenlaw.
Greenlaw is 5’11” and 237 pounds. He has battled various injuries, including a broken foot and then a high ankle sprain in his senior season. As a senior, he played in nine games in which he had 80 tackles, 6.5 for loss, two sacks and two interceptions.
Greenlaw was a team captain at Arkansas, which he says allowed him to be “…positive leader and role model, not only saying it but living it,” Greenlaw said.
Though it looks like he could add special teams value, Greenlaw will also most likely compete for a backup linebacker spot.
“What the [49ers] told me is that they’ve obviously seen all my tape, they see me coming in, playing with the linebackers,” Greenlaw said. “They like my versatility, they like the way I run, they like the way I hit, they like my physicality. And, of course, special teams. Whatever they need to me to do. I’m going to do whatever the coaches tell me to do.”
Greenlaw was not able to run at the Combine due to a hamstring injury but did run a 4.73 40 at his pro day.
“I was supposed to go down for a 30 visit with [the 49ers], and they canceled my 30 visit,” Greenlaw said. “That really hurt my heart…They still wanted me. I’m blessed.”