Everyone realizes that NFL general managers earn their paychecks with their level of success in the later rounds of the draft and uncovering those hidden gems that can push a team over the top. With the NFL’s scouting process in full swing and many names being brought to the forefront who weren’t exactly on the tip of anyone’s tongues when the collegiate season started, this segment called Under the Radar will continue to explore just what scouts find attractive about certain prospects who may be available beyond the glamour rounds of the draft.

This installment of Under the Radar goes north of the border to find a prospect worthy of some attention from NFL scouts as Concordia linebacker Cory Greenwood has what it takes to play in the professional ranks here in the states. Last year began the international feel to the NFL Draft when the San Diego Chargers selected Western Ontario defensive tackle prospect Vaughn Martin in round four. In the Canadian version of the NFL Scouting Combine known as the CFL Evaluation Camp. Greenwood put on quite the show for those in attendance. At 6’2” 236lbs. he ran a 4.50 flat time in the 40 yard dash which would have been best at the linebacker position at the combine stateside and his 40-inch vertical jump would have ranked second amongst linebackers in Indianapolis. During the shorter 8 game schedule in Canada this year, Greenwood tallied 72 tackles with 3 tackles for loss and 2 sacks.

Much like his predecessor last year, Greenwood is considered a relatively raw prospect with limited football experience and will need a solid coaching staff to get him into playing shape mentally. His size will make him a bit of a tweener in the linebacker realm which can be seen as both a good and bad thing at times with no natural position floating between inside and outside linebacker. He played the majority of his ball in Canada at the inside position, but his lack of bulk might make that transition difficult in the NFL. Moving to the outside won’t be an easy task for him either as he doesn’t have the ideal pass rushing instincts to play on the edge at the next level. With his raw athleticism and pure upside however, it would be surprising to see him get beyond the 5th round after last year’s showing by Martin. Greenwood has all of the physical tools to make quite an impact in the league, but only time will tell just how he transitions to the extensive season.

A number of names will be called during April’s NFL Draft that seem to be from out of left field, but don’t let Cory Greenwood’s be one of them. Keep looking out for more Under the Radar players shooting up draft boards or quietly lurking in the depth of this class that could make a huge impact over the coming years on Sundays.

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