Our prospect profiles roll on! This time I focus on a guy who could be a major pain in opposing teams’ rear end. Outside Linebacker Jonathan Greenard is a very interesting prospect.
Background
Who: Jonathan Greenard 6’4″ 262 lbs
School: University of Florida
Hometown: Hiram, Georgia
Key Combine Stats:
| Off 40: 4.87 | UnOff. 4.88 | 10yd Split: 1.71 | Bench: 22 | 3-Cone: 7.13 | Vertical: 30.5 | Broad: 9-5 | Hands: 9 1/4 | Arms: 34 7/8 |
2019 Stats: 52 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles
Was rated the 110th best prospect in the state of Georgia when coming out in 2015… Played tight end in high school as well as defense… Caught five TDs during his high school career… Severe wrist injury and ankle injury in his collegiate career.
What’s To Like
If ‘Groot’ were a human he might be Jon Greenard. This guy has incredibly long arms and uses them well… I wouldn’t call him fast off the snap but he anticipates incredibly well… Very versatile. Can line up on either side and can play in a three-point or standing up… Much better at driving through the inside of the tackle than outside… Major headache for shorter QBs as he gets his arms into passing lanes well and often… Not great but solid run defender… Sets a decent edge… Drops into coverage on occasion and looks competent in doing so… Moves really well for a guy his size…
What’s Concerning
Doesn’t strike me as a ‘hustler’ or guy whose motor constantly runs… Sometimes shuts it down way too soon when play runs away from him… Stymied by well balanced tackles… Seems to have a plethora of pass rush moves but none are what I would call exceptional… Relies too much on the spin… Often runs himself out of pass rush lanes allowing QB to step up in the pocket… Lots of unnecessary movements. ‘Shimy-shake’ with shoulders is a go-to move that does little for him… Needs to learn how to set up his pass rush moves, often does them just to “do them.”
The Verdict
I’m really fascinated to see where Greenard goes in this draft. When he arrives at a ball carrier he’s like a Mack truck bringing everything he’s got. His length is going to be an immediate problem for opposing teams and I think he’s got the capability to be an every down guy on the EDGE due to body and powerful hands. His change of direction isn’t that great and it often foils his attempts at sacks and QB pressures when the QB is mobile. I’m not horribly worried about his lack of hustle at times but that’s something that I’m sure scouts will notice. He’s a big-time worker off the field and that’s always important. Depending on what happens with Bud Dupree, I can see Greenard being a guy the Steelers look at despite the fact he’ll be 23 in May.
Final Grade: 2nd Rounder
Games Watched: 2019 vs Virginia , 2019 vs Tennessee, 2019 vs Miami, FL
Credits: sports-reference.com, youtube.com, walterfootball.com
