San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) - Cooper Neill/GettyImages
As the NFL Top 100 continues to come out, the first San Francisco 49ers player has been featured and that is linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The NFL Top 100 is voted by the players in the league. While not everyone may agree with placements, it is based on votes. Greenlaw stands at 76 on the Top 100, previously standing at 79 the year before. Here is a look at Greenlaw’s 2023 season, and why he deserves a spot in the top 100.
Dre Greenlaw’s 2023 Season
The San Francisco 49ers linebackers are a strong unit of players. Between Greenlaw and Fred Warner, they have one of the top duos in the NFL. Greenlaw can sometimes be underrated with Warner next to him, but the linebacker is a beast on the field. Over the years, after being drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Greenlaw has turned into a leader on and off of the field.
In 2023, Greenlaw had a dominant year. He had 120 combined tackles in the regular season, five tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits, according to Pro Football Reference. He also had 1.5 sacks. Greenlaw missed just two games in the regular season and was ejected from the game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the Divisional round of the playoffs against the Green Bay Packers, the entire team had to step up while they were down. Greenlaw ended up with two interceptions that game, one of which sealed the win for the 49ers. That interception was a tad scary for 49ers fans, as Greenlaw wanted the touchdown instead of just going down. Either way, Greenlaw was a big reason why the 49ers made it to the NFC Championship Game, and even to the Super Bowl.
In the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, Greenlaw mainly covered Travis Kelce. While Greenlaw was in the game, Kelce was locked up and the 49ers were winning. Unfortunately, Greenlaw’s season ended devastatingly. While running onto the field, the linebacker tore his Achilles. He missed the remainder of the Super Bowl. This does demonstrate how well he was playing in the game, however. When he had to exit the game, Kelce did begin to make big plays against the San Francisco defense.
Why Dre Greenlaw Deserves the Top 100
Greenlaw is a physical player and always working to make the tackle and attempt to cause a turnover. Even with a player like Warner on the team, Greenlaw is able to make his name known across the league. He is a dominant athlete who is well deserving of the NFL’s Top 100. He is a leader, and when he is not on the field, his absence is felt. Greenlaw also made ESPN’s top ten for off-ball linebackers along with Warner. Warner is listed first, while Greenlaw was named ninth. To have two linebackers make the top ten is an achievement for the team.
Of course, tearing his Achilles means that Greenlaw will be starting training camp on the PUP list. As of now, there is no official timetable for when the linebacker will be back. He tore his Achilles in February, and this is an injury that takes time to heal. He will want to be fully healthy before returning so he can give it his all.
During the 2022 NFL season, Greenlaw signed a two-year extension. The team was lucky to get the deal done before free agency began, but now year two of that extension is here. Hopefully, he can heal up fully and get the chance to return during the 2024 season, and potentially earn a new contract.
