Written By Adam Aniba
This years draft class features some blue chip talent at offensive tackle, but the offensive line might be the deepest potion in the draft.
One potential Day 3 gem from the FCS level is Garret Greenfield. The mammoth tackle has 54 career starts at both right and left tackle for South Dakota State University.
Garret Greenfield
6'7" 320 lbs | RT | SDSU
Draft Proj 5th Rd
Background
Garret Greenfield grew up in Rock Valley, IA and was a standout offensive tackle for Rock Valley HS. In back-to-back seasons he was voted as the teams most valuable player.
Greenfield help lead his team to the 2016 Rock Valley state championship and inn 2017 they were state semifinalists.
He also played basketball and baseball for Rock Valley, in addition to being a 3-time Academic Achievement honoree.
The Rock Valley right tackle wasn't recognized as a star recruit and ultimately committed to South Dakota State for the 2018 season. Although Greenfield was redshirted, per NCAA rules he was able to participate in 3 games and made his debut in the Beef Bowl game versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
In 2019 Greenfield was active in 7 games as a reserve tackle, but didn't start in any of the games for the second convective season.
Greenfield would finally get his opportunity to start in 2020 and started 10 games at right tackle. The RT was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his performance vs Western Illinois. In the match-up Greenfield helped lead the Jackrabbits to a season-high 531 yards of total offense (8.0 yards per play).
In the season finale Greenfield helped the offense rush for 300 yards in the regular season finale at North Dakota State.
In 2021 Greenfield returned as the starter at right tackle making a career-high 14 starts. The offense averaged 36.1 points and 441.1 yards of total offense per gamand for his efforts, he was named to the 1st-Team All American team.
Greenfield also earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week for his play vs Indiana State, in which the Jackrabbits accumulated 517 total yards in their shutout win (44-0).
In 2022 Greenfield was named a team captain and moved to left tackle full time, starting all 15 games. For the second consecutive season he was names 1st Team All American, this time lining up at left tackle.
As a unit, the South Dakota's offensive line allowed only 18 sacks in 15 games and helped guide is team to their first ever FCS National title Championship win.
As a senior in 2023, Greenfield was once again named a team captain. The left tackle started every game and was part of a unit that allowed only 10 sacks on the season. The Jackrabbits averaged 230.5 yards per game on the ground and 225.6 yards per game through the air.
The Jackrabbits advanced to the Football Championship Subdivision national title game for the third time in four seasons and became back-to-back national champions.
South Dakota State finished the 2023 15-0 overall, winning 29 consecutive games dating back to 2022.
PROS
Provides versatility with extensive experience start LT and RT
Size and overall build are ideal for the next level
A mauler in the run game, often putting defenders on their back
Displays impressive burst and initial quickness out of his stance in pass sets
Strong and violent hands
CONS
Inconsistent footwork stunts his ability to consistently redirect pass rushers, effecting his leverage at times
Not the most athletic tackle and can be a step slow diagnosing stunts & twists
Has a habit of lunging
Plays too upright and needs to work on overall bend
Needs to play more consistent vs bull-rushers and avoid letting defenders get under his pads
Outlook
After starting and excelling at right two his first two seasons at SDSU, he continued to improve after to moving to left tackle in '22.
Greenfield was a key cog in the Jackrabbits winning their first ever FCS National Championship in 2022 and becoming back-to-back champs in 2023. It's no coincidence that he was a captain during that span and was viewed by his teammates as the heart of the offense.
The Jackrabbits tackle helped the offense rush for 5,686 yards and 70 touchdowns over two seasons. He also earned his share of awards including being named a 3-time All-American.
The FCS All American isn't a perfect prospect by any means and should be kept on the right side at RT on the next level. In saying that, Greenfield has an ideal combination of size, strength and situational awareness which is what you want to see in a bookend starting tackle.
Simply put, Greenfield is a finisher and has the ability to be a swing tackle immediately with the ceiling to be developed into a long-term starter.
*GAMES WATCHED*
11/4/23 vs N.Dakota St., 11/18 vs Mizz St., 12/2 vs Mercer, 12/9 vs Villanova, 12/15 vs Albany & 1/7/24 vs Montana (FCS Championship)
**CLICK CARD BELOW FOR MORE SCOUTING REPORTS**
