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By Charlie Campbell
Weaknesses:
Summary: Edge defenders who can get after the quarterback are always in demand given the passing-driven nature of the modern NFL. With his speed, athleticism and agility, Greenard has the potential to be a quality edge defender and could end up putting together some good sack totals in the NFL.
Greenard broke out for Louisville in 2017, totaling seven sacks with 48 tackles and a pass broken up. In the 2018 season opener against Alabama, Greenard went out for the year with ligament injury in his wrist. After the season, he transferred to Florida and had a fine senior year for the Gators. Greenard collected 9.5 sacks with 50 tackles, three forced fumbles, one interception and four passes batted in 2019. He put consistent pressure on the quarterback for the most part, with the exception being the Georgia game when Andrew Thomas and the Bulldogs’ offensive line held him in check. Greenard also missed some snaps with injuries.
Greenard is a dangerous natural pass-rusher with a nose for the quarterback. He has a nice repertoire of moves and is smart about how he attacks offensive tackles. As a student of the game, Greenard is keen to pick up on tells from the tackles and the offense to make him a more effective pass-rusher with his good instincts.
On top of his mental ability, Greenard has some quickness to get after the quarterback. He is speedy off the snap with the ability to sink his hips and shoulder to get around the corner. Once he makes the turn, Greenard has the closing speed to finish the play and get to the quarterback. He had a knack for splash plays at Florida, making some timely pass rushes that were huge for his defense in 2019. Greenard is quick, athletic and agile to dodge and run around blocks. In the NFL, he won’t overwhelm offensive tackles with overpowering strength or blinding speed, but he is a polished rusher who has a knack for getting to the quarterback. At the Senior Bowl, it was clear that Greenard could stand to improve his ability to shed blocks and pro tackles could give him problems with length and if they get their hands on him.
As a run defender, Greenard is at his best working upfield and trying to cause disruption in the backfield. He is going to have problems taking on pro offensive lines and holding his gap in downhill runs coming straight at him. Greenard give a good effort and plays tough, but his natural size presents limitations as a run stopper at the pro level.
Greenard is a bit of an undersized edge defender, and as a result, his best fit in the NFL would be as a 3-4 outside linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, he would have to move rotate with a run-stuffing defensive end. Playing in a 3-4 where he would have a five-technique to help occupy offensive tackles could be the best way for Greenard to be an every-down player. Greenard has good intangibles with a good work ethic, steady motor, and leadership ability. He could be an overachiever because of those attributes.
Team sources say Greenard will probably go in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he has a shot at going late in the first round.
Player Comparison: Trey Flowers. In some ways, Greenard reminds me of Flowers. Neither player is dominant from a size and speed perspective, but they both have a natural ability to get after the quarterback. Flowers (6-2, 265) and Greenard are almost identical in size with similar speed, strengths and limitations.
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