Chad Greenway LB 6’4 244 Iowa
By: Robert Davis
After redshirting as a freshman at Iowa, Greenway lost most of his second season because of a knee injury suffered in the spring. Once healthy, Greenway has taken the country by storm. As a redshirt sophomore in 2003, Greenway posted 132 tackles, 13 for loss, and two sacks on his way to earning All Big 10 honors. He had another standout season as a junior, finishing the year with 113 tackles, eight for loss, three sacks, and three interceptions. He racked up more post season honors, again being named to the All Big 10 team, and this time earning various All American awards. Greenway was also voted to the Playboy AA team just before this season.
Chad Greenway is the prototypical linebacker prospect. He’s tall, strong, but still has very good speed and athleticism. He’s strong enough to take on blockers, but fast enough to play sideline to sideline. He is around the action on every play, and possesses excellent football intelligence.
It is hard to find knocks in Greenway’s game. He can do it all on the field. If pressed to criticize some parts of his game, he does not always show the awareness in coverage that his physical talent suggests. He also has never made too much of an impact as a pass rusher, but he is not asked to get after the QB very often. Even though the linebacker position has become less of an attractive position in the first round, Greenway looks like a solid bet to be a first rounder. He is in a very close race with A.J. Hawk for the top senior linebacker, and it just is a matter of opinion depending on who you talk to. He should be a standout linebacker at the next level, and whoever gets him will be very happy.
