LAS VEGAS -- The San Francisco 49ers hit a home run when they drafted Dre Greenlaw back in 2019.
His impact was felt immediately that year in his rookie season from the moment he stepped in for Kwon Alexander on Halloween night. Ever since that moment, Greenlaw has continued to ascend and even came close to becoming an All-Pro in 2022.
But accolades aren't necessary to illustrate just how impressive of a player Greenlaw is. He has continued to ascend year after year. And while he is responsible for getting himself there, there are others that factored into Greenlaw becoming the player he is now.
Alexander and Fred Warner are two examples. Greenlaw has spoken at lengths before as to how they helped him ascend, but there is another player who aided Greenlaw in his growth.
"DeFo (Colts DT DeForest Buckner). DeFo for sure," said Greenlaw. "I remember just struggling my rookie year and he just came to me like 'You struggling? Why coach keep getting on you?' Looking back on it, you could tell just how much his leadership and presence meant on the team. He was definitely one of those guys that was an all-around good leader."
Greenlaw landed in a great situation with amazing veterans to help bring him up. We all need some veteran and experienced guidance in some aspects of our lives in order to progress.
Buckner, however, wasn't the only person that Greenlaw gives credit to in his ascension. There is one other he cited when I asked him. In fact, this person is someone who Greenlaw would put at the top of his list for why he is the player he is today.
"Definitely DeMeco (Ryans). He was probably the number one coach and person to be honest," Greenlaw said. "He helped me figure out the difference of the life of being in the NFL. He kind of understood my story a little bit.
"He definitely helped navigate and coach me through those times. And then, just teaching me how to read, the different formations, what it means, and all those key details that could help me play faster. But he was the one that kind of really pushed my growth and understanding."
Ryans was the 49ers' linebackers coach when Greenlaw was drafted. It is only fitting that he is the one that Greenlaw views as the top person that factored into his growth. That means that Ryans can be attributed for why Greenlaw has the "Big Play Dre" nickname.
Every game Greenlaw is out there, he is prone to make a big play. And if it isn't a big play, then he is going to go out there and lay a BIG on a player. That shows the energy and aggression he plays with. Ant it is something that Charvarius Ward believes inspires the defense.
"I honestly feel like he's the motor for our defense. He set the tone almost every play," said Charvarius Ward. " There was one game he was mad, I was like 'You good? What's wrong?' and he said 'Man, I just want to hit somebody.'"
"He's the hardest hitter on our defense, great energy, great effort, and probably the most physical football player I ever been around. I have never seen somebody that wants to hit somebody as much as him. I didn't know he was like that to be honest... but once I saw Dre I was like 'He can be a great middle linebacker in this league as well.' So, he's definitely the engine of our defense."
Greenlaw has the vast respect of his peers. Being the "motor" of the team in any facet is incredible. That is exactly what a linebacker needs to be and how Greenlaw can become a great middle linebacker if he isn't already.
He has the skills and the mentality of one. Every year he has continued to get better and better. And it is partly thanks to the people who helped him along the way that has allowed him to be where he is today -- a cornerstone player on the 49ers.
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