Dre Greenlaw

Greenlaw got healthy last year after missing all but three games in the 2021 season, posting a new career-high in tackles (127) over 15 active games. He also brought the physicality, forcing two fumbles while recording a pick-six (the second of his four-year career). Fred Warner is the big name on San Francisco's linebacking crew, but Greenlaw proved that he can play at a near Pro-Bowl level alongside the team's defensive leader, so long as the 26-year-old stays on the field.

Greenlaw injured his hamstring in the 49ers' loss to the Rams in the NFC Championship Game, and the team has yet to provide any updates on the potential starting linebacker. The 25-year-old appeared in just six games (including playoffs) due to injury last year, after combining for 178 tackles in his first two seasons in the NFL. If healthy, Greenlaw will compete with Azeez Al-Shaair for the more prominent starting weakside linebacker role in defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans' nickel-heavy scheme.

Greenlaw missed three games due to injury last season but still nearly matched the impressive totals from his rookie campaign, going for 86 tackles and a sack after 92 and one, respectively, in 2019. Kwon Alexander was shipped to New Orleans midseason, due in large part to Greenlaw's impressive play while filling in as the starter at the Will position. The 24-year-old is all but a lock to start at that same spot alongside middle linebacker Fred Warner this upcoming season.

The 49ers found a diamond in the rough when they selected Dre Greenlaw in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. The 23-year-old beat out veteran Malcolm Smith for the Sam linebacker job in camp, and the rookie flourished in an every-down role when Kwon Alexander suffered a torn pectoral Week 9. Greenlaw finished with 92 tackles (64 solo), a sack, an interception and two passes defended through 16 games, with his most notable play being a goal-line stop on the final play of the regular season to seal the victory - and division title - over the Seahawks. The sophomore linebacker will have a starting job to begin the 2020 campaign, but the question will be whether he or a healthy Alexander occupies the starting Will position alongside Fred Warner. If Greenlaw is moved back to the strong side, then his IDP value would take a significant hit.