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.
