Niners Looking to move down and take Greenway (1 Viewer)

[azcards33]

Is Chad Greenway in Nolan’s crosshairs?

By Hugo Guzman ; 02/09/06

The San Francisco 49ers are awaiting a coin toss to determine their slot in the upcoming NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean that it’s too early to theorize about who Mike Nolan might be eyeing in the meantime.

A coin toss that will occur before the NFL combine will decide whether San Francisco or their neighbors across the bay - the Oakland Raiders - get the sixth overall pick. Whoever wins the toss, gets the sixth pick and whoever loses will obviously fall to the seventh slot. Either way, Nolan could likely be setting his sites on Iowa Hawkeyes' linebacker Chad Greenway.

Although the selection might seem a little high for Greenway at first glance, many observers are saying that coach Nolan was extremely enamored with the Big Ten standout’s style of play. Nolan got a real good look at the All-American linebacker while coaching at the Senior Bowl, and the 49ers could definitely use a big and athletic linebacker to solidify their 3-4 defensive scheme. Greenway seems like a perfect pick.

The best part is that since Greenway is not necessarily considered a top 10 pick, the San Francisco 49ers will likely be able to trade down to pick up an extra draft pick and still land Greenway a little bit further down in the first round.

That scenario would likely make Mike Nolan a very happy head coach.

 

[azcards33]

Positives:

What’s not to like about Chad Greenway? He’s a huge man, with eye-popping strength. If anyone in this draft defines “sideline-to-sideline” linebacker, Chad Greenway does. He possesses a startling quickness when making plays, rather than having out and out speed. It seems 9 times out of 10 when opposing offensive players look up, Chad Greenway is in their face because his tackling abilities are as stout as they come. If Greenway gets a hand on the ball carrier, it’s a safe bet he’s hitting the turf real soon. He wraps up and drives through his tackles exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a big body to stuff the run, Chad is as good as they get. Yet, originally sized up as a safety, Chad can cover well in passing situations also, and has that great intermediate speed to hang with any coverage across the middle or with the shorter shallow routes. His game study ethics, and ability to see the entire field, help to make him even more lethal.

Negatives:

One of the biggest knocks on him would have to be his knee. He has had major reconstructive surgery, and it might lead some teams to have concerns. I think he will have to come out strong in the combines and workouts with his 40, and show he can move laterally through the cones, etc. with good times. Although his run stopping abilities are fantastic, I’d like to see a more of a push into the backfield. Blitzing from the outside and getting into the backfield without over pursuing might be an issue as well.

Overall:

Greenway is the total physical package with tremendous upside, and little, if any, downside. He’s a strong student of the game as well. Coming out of a Kirk Ferentz program where players are highly encouraged to film study is a big plus for him. Ferentz is a big believer in film study, and already knowing how to just study film and analyzing your own position breakdowns will be a huge hurdle already cleared for Greenway. For the most part Chad has had solid talent around him at the college level, which has helped him succeed, but in the right defense at the next level, with that same kind of help, he could be an even big pillar to his defense.

Final Word:

FIRE ― Chad is the type of football player whose game is defined by his intensity and desire on and off the field. His success will largely be affected by him being able to maintain that intensity and desire that has propelled him to where he sits today. He made a huge jump coming out of high school and playing linebacker in the Big 10. He didn’t get there on luck, he got there by smacking people in the mouth. If he’s to be as successful in the NFL as many expect, that’ll have to continue. Not surprising is that Chad being mentioned as a first round pick. He’s earned that respect like every other honor he’s received, and again, he’ll have to play with that same fire he always has to gain even more when he’s in the NFL.

 

[RustyFA]

He would have been a four year starter but tore his ACL as a freshman after beating a senior out to start. This guy is the real deal folks. He has AMAZING speed. He will be the star of the combine. He is the best cover LB I have ever seen. Very solid against the run. Makes plays all over. He will be All-Pro. Reminds me of Brian Urlacher but better in coverage and not quite as good aginst the run.

 

[pettifogger]

I thought the Raiders already won the pick to go sixth.

 

[diesel7982]

I thought the Raiders already won the pick to go sixth.

You were mislead then.

 

[Colin Dowling]

"Hey Nick....it's Mike....listen, we know you want Jay Cutler and he's not going to last much longer...we're already hearing from other teams....what about sending us your first rounder and....maybe....Ricky Williams for this selection we're sitting on? The clock is ticking..."

 

[Bob Magaw]

16 probably too far down to secure greenway if he is indeed their target...

ricky would be a nice consolation prize... but SF trade would put him in dangerously close proximity to haight-ashbury district...

 

[DeCleater]

Greenway is the best cover LB in college football. I have seen him run stride for stride with a speedy HB and break up the pass 30 yards downfield. I have also seen him line-up man to man on the slot receiver and cover him like a blanket. Iowa never played nickel and he is the reason why. He has great feet AND he's huge. He was a QB in high school. He will be a three down LB in the NFL and an All-Pro within 2 years.

 

[Ozymandias]

Trade down..trade down...

How many teams are willing to give up something to trade up?

It doesn't happen too often.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Trade down..trade down...

How many teams are willing to give up something to trade up?

It doesn't happen too often.

It happens all the time...

 

[diesel7982]

Trade down..trade down...

How many teams are willing to give up something to trade up?

It doesn't happen too often.

Only 3-4 times a year.The only trades that dont happen "often" are picks from the top 5. The salary requirements and value to give up is often too high to justify.

 

[coolnerd]

Trade down..trade down...

How many teams are willing to give up something to trade up?

It doesn't happen too often.

Only 3-4 times a year.The only trades that dont happen "often" are picks from the top 5. The salary requirements and value to give up is often too high to justify.

I believe the average is 1 per year over the last 10 or so years with in the top 5