Broncos roster: LB Dre Greenlaw (No. 57) will make an instant impact

USA Today

9 hours ago

Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year linebacker Dre Greenlaw, No. 57.
Before the Broncos: Greenlaw (6-0, 230 pounds) was drafted by the San Francisco in the fifth round (148th overall) of the 2019 NFL draft out of Arkansas. Greenlaw made an immediate impact, playing in all 16 games, starting 11 of them. In his rookie year, Greenlaw made 92 total tackles (64 solo, 28 assisted, three tackles for loss), 1.0 sacks, two pass deflections and one interception, all while leading the 49ers to the cusp of a championship, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, 31-20.
The following year, Greenlaw again started 11 games, playing in 13 of them. Greenlaw made 86 total tackles (61 solo, 25 assisted, seven tackles for loss), 1.0 sacks and two pass deflections.
In 2021, the 49ers once again were on top of the NFC West, but Greenlaw only played in three regular season games, as he was shut down for most of the season with a groin injury. Greenlaw played in the opening two games of the 2021 season, before returning for the regular season finale and the 49ers' deep playoff run that culminated in an NFC championship game against the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, Greenlaw had 21 total tackles (10 solo, 11 assisted), one pass deflection and one interception returned for a touchdown.
In the next two seasons, Greenlaw played in and started 30 regular season games and six playoff games, making 247 total tackles (157 solo, 90 assisted, eight tackles for loss), 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 10 pass deflections and one interception. In 2022, the 49ers made it to the NFC championship again. In 2023, San Francisco made it all the way to the Super Bowl once again. In the Super Bowl, Greenlaw was jogging onto the field before crumpling to the ground with what was described at the time as a "lower leg injury." It turned out to be a torn Achilles tendon.
In 2024, Greenlaw tried to return from his torn tendon, returning in Week 15 and 16, totaling nine tackles (three solo, six assisted) before being shut down with a calf injury. Greenlaw then hit free agency this spring.
Broncos tenure: The Denver Broncos didn't waste any time pursuing Greenlaw during free agency. Almost immediately, the Broncos agreed to terms with Greenlaw on a three-year deal worth $31.5 million. If Greenlaw can return back to the player he once was, Denver's defense will be in great shape heading into 2025.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Greenlaw was brought in to be an additional force in the middle of the field, along with Alex Singleton. When healthy, Greenlaw ranks among the top linebackers in the NFL. He is a lock to make the team and is set to serve as the team's No. 1 linebacker in 2025.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.