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04/28/2009 - A closer look at the Jets' picks: Round 3/65 -- Shonn Greene, RB, 5-11, 227, Iowa...Just as they did with Sanchez, the Jets traded (three picks this time) so they could move up and grab the bulky tailback with excellent vision and the ability to run hard between the tackles. Greene rushed for 1,850 yards as a junior in 2008, with 20 rushing touchdowns and 6.0 yards per carry and won the Doak Walker Award as the top running back in the nation. He missed the 2007 season because he was academically ineligible, so has had only season as a starter. He can make yardage after contact and can find holes, but his speed has been questioned, as he runs only a 4.62 in the 40. He needs to improve in the passing game, both as a receiver and in picking up blitzes.
04/09/2009 - Greene is a strong runner who follows blockers well, but he has a series of issues to consider, including lack of great speed, poor pass-blocking ability and questionable hands as a receiver. He is a tough hombre to get your arms around as a defender and your head around as a scout. He was a backup in 2005 and 2006, totaling 388 yards rushing. He then spent 2007 at Kirkwood Community College to regain his academic eligibility. Back at Iowa last year, Greene shocked almost everybody when he finished second in the country with 1,850 yards rushing and collected 20 touchdowns. In light of Greene's circuitous college career, another statistic of interest is age; he will be 24 in August. Although he had a 37-inch vertical jump at the combine, his 40-yard time was 4.62 seconds. At his pro day, Greene improved his vertical jump to 39 inches and lowered his 40-yard clocking to 4.50 seconds. In 33 games at Iowa, Greene started 13 contests and carried 376 times for 2,228 yards (5.9-yard average) and 22 touchdowns, adding 72 yards on 11 receptions. - Frank Cooney, The SportsXchange, NFLDraftScout.com
Prior to the 2008 season, Greene knew he had his work cut out for him. Academic problems forced the bruising tailback to leave the university and enroll at Kirkwood College in 2007. When he rectified his academic standing and rejoined the Hawkeyes, he found himself listed behind Jevon Pugh, Paki O'Meara, Nate Guillory, Jeff Brinson and Jewel Hampton for the starting tailback job.
Greene not only emerged from that fierce battle as the victor, he went on to earn 2008 Big Ten Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. He was also the recipient of the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back. He became Iowa's first consensus All-American running back since Nile Kinnick in 1939. The Chicago Tribune awarded him with the Silver Football, given to the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten.
At Winslow Township High School, Greene was a first-team all-conference and second-team all-state choice as a senior. The previous year, he was the recipient of all-state, All-South Jersey and all-conference honors. He ended his prep career with 4,266 yards and 43 touchdowns on 503 rushing attempts (8.48 avg.).
The tailback and linebacker registered 191 tackles with one interception during his career. He carried 172 times for 1,378 yards (8.0 avg.) and 16 touchdowns as a senior and rushed for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns on 221 attempts (5.7 avg.) as a junior. After graduating, he spent the 2004 season at Milford Academy, where he rushed for 1,274 yards.
Greene enrolled at Iowa for the 2005 season. He appeared in 11 games as a reserve, managing just 137 yards on 37 carries (4.7 avg.) with a touchdown. He also excelled on special teams, recording five tackles (four solos). His performance with that unit almost saw the coaching staff shift him to linebacker the following year. Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker apparently has thought about having Greene play defense.
"He'd be an awesome linebacker; gosh would he be good," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said of Greene. "Don't think Norm hasn't sniffed around on that one -- like from the day (Greene) walked in. But it's just not going to happen. It's kind of like (Chad) Greenway or (Jonathan) Babineaux; if you have two or three of those guys, you'd have them here, here and here. Shonn's that kind of guy. Shonn's no nonsense on the field. He works hard, and he likes playing."
Greene changed jersey numbers from 45 to 23 as a sophomore, but an ankle sprain forced him to miss three midseason contests. In nine games, he finished third on the team with 205 yards and a touchdown on 32 rushing attempts (6.4 avg.) in 2006. He grabbed three passes for 23 yards (7.7 avg.) and averaged 19.0 yards on six kickoff returns.
Primed to step into the starting lineup in 2007, Greene was ruled academically ineligible and left Iowa. He enrolled at Kirkwood College to improve his grades, but did not play football. Back with the Hawkeyes for the 2008 campaign, the All-American set the school single-season record with 1,850 yards on 307 carries (6.0 avg.), finding the end zone 20 times on the ground while scoring 120 points.
Because he would be 24 in 2009, and due to family issues, Greene decided to bypass his senior year at Iowa to enter the 2009 NFL Draft. His parents divorced early in his life. He chose to live with his grandmother, Cheryl Greene. He has a big heart with "Cheryl" tattooed in the middle of it on his neck. "She's probably the No. 1 woman in my life right now," Greene said. "She raised me. I have a lot of love for her, a lot of respect. I pretty much owe her this whole ordeal here.
"She's a great woman. I owe her the world," he stated when announcing his decision.
Scouting Report
GENERAL REPORT: GRADE: 6.02
Body Structure: Greene has a well-developed, athletic physique with defined upper-body muscles, tight waist and hips, good bubble, thick thighs and calves and low body fat, but his frame is at maximum growth potential and any more weight would impact his already adequate speed.
Athletic Ability: Greene is a well-built athlete, but has just quickness. He compensates with his agility, balance and ability to come out of his stance low to generate enough initial quickness into the holes. He shows good, but not great, strength and has the leg drive to have defenders draped on him to be dragged for extra yardage, as he shows good forward body lean. He has just adequate change-of-direction agility, but shows good flexibility and functional acceleration coming off the snap, lacking breakaway speed. GRADE: 6.4
Football Sense: Greene has good field vision and instincts, but has struggled considerably in school and performs best in a "meat and potatoes" type of offense (needs things simplified). He might not be capable of handling the mental aspects of the game at the next level and there were concerns earlier in his career that he just did not apply himself to the study aspect of learning the nuances of the game. GRADE: 4.9
Character: Greene is a hard worker, but with his birth certificate approaching age 24, he felt it was best to capitalize on his one good season now. He comes from a split family and was raised by his grandmother, but outside of his academic problems, he has no known off-field issues. He is respected by team and staff, responsible, humble and has matured after seeing his career almost come to an end when he was ruled academically ineligible in 2007. GRADE: 6.0
Competitiveness: Greene is the consummate team player, never complaining when he had to battle from deep down the depth chart to earn his starting job in 2008. He is a hard-nosed player, real tough and highly competitive. He plays with good aggression and even though he played behind a very average offensive line, he made things happen running between tackles in 2008. He finishes his runs with very good determination and, with his good stamina, he gets stronger as the game progresses. GRADE: 6.5
Work Habits: As a junior, Greene showed solid work ethic, but that was not always the case, as the staff was concerned about his work ethic earlier in his career. He now knows the importance of preparation and puts in the extra hours studying tapes. He might not do more than is asked in the weight room, but is team-oriented and no longer needs to be monitored. GRADE: 6.3
ATHLETIC REPORT: GRADE: 5.91
Initial Quickness: Greene has good initial quickness, but lacks explosiveness or a second gear to negotiate long-distance runs. He is really like most Iowa running backs -- more quick than fast. He can make quick cuts at the hole, but loses his power base when he hops up in his stance. He does make quick decisions with the ball in his hands to hit the holes in a hurry. He shows functional cutting ability and does not need to gear down approaching the line, but he does not generate the sudden burst that would allow him to gain advantage getting into the second level. GRADE: 5.6
Acceleration/Burst: Greene has a decent short-area burst in his turns, but lacks great acceleration in the open. He has a good feel for the cutback lane and some bounce in his step, but is best taking the ball up the middle than try to dance to the outside. He is just not going to run away from too many people. He does a good job of varying his speed, showing good cut-back ability to bounce off tackle. When taking the ball around the edge, he lacks the top-end speed to challenge the secondary. GRADE: 5.2
Instincts/Balance: The thing that you notice immediately about Greene is his change-of-direction agility and body control. When the rush lane is clogged, he has the feel to redirect and bounce outside, but does not have the speed to take the ball to the house down the sidelines. He shows the vision needed to see threats and plays the hand that he is dealt. While he won't explode past the line, he shows patience setting up his blocks and has the balance and body lean to gain positive yardage falling forward. GRADE: 6.5
Inside Running: Greene is a physical inside runner whose playing strength is better than his weight-room figures. He has the short-area quickness to get into the hole and can create if the crease is closed. He shows a good burst in his turns, just lacking suddenness in his change of direction, but has good vision. He can find the hole, but will sometimes run too upright, resulting in him being susceptible to ankle tackles (needs to generate better knee lift). GRADE: 7.8
Outside Running: Greene tries to bounce outside, but lacks pick-and-slide ability. When he goes wide, he just does not have the speed to turn the corner, as he lacks that extra gear. He can run over second-level defenders impacting on the edge, but will never be able to elude them. GRADE: 5.2
Elusiveness: Greene is not a "make you miss" type, but when he gets a short burst off the snap, he shows quick cutting agility. He can also make the jump cut, showing the vision to avoid. The thing that sets him apart from most is that he has the ability to improvise, but once he gets into the second level, he will generally get caught from behind. GRADE: 5.5
Tackle-Breaking Strength: Greene is not going to go down easy, even from gang tackles. He lacks weight-room strength, but has the lower-body power to push the pile when he keeps his pads down. He has good strength, but when he runs high in his stance, his base gets a little too narrow. He has enough leg drive to run through arm tackles and very seldom gets knocked back through the rush lanes when he keeps his pad level low. GRADE: 7.3
Tendency to Fumble: Greene does a good job of protecting the ball, keeping it close to his body. Both of his fumbles came on pitch-outs in 2008, but he can handle pitches and generally runs with the ball secured in both hands. GRADE: 7.4
Receiving Skills: Like most Iowa running backs, he gets few opportunities as a receiver, even on controlled routes. He does struggle to look the ball in and will generally trap it rather than reach and extend. Unless he can develop a better feel for the passing game, he will find himself on the bench in third-down passing situations. GRADE: 4.8
Route Running: Greene has problems tracking the ball in flight and, while he runs decent routes, they are rounded (makes soft angle cuts). He knows how to settle in the zone and is a strong runner after the catch, but has to develop moves to set up the cornerback in man coverage. GRADE: 4.6
Blocking Ability: Greene is not asked to block much, but he is a team-oriented type that will face up to bigger defenders. He needs to work on his cut blocking in pass protection, but has the hip snap and power to impact when he makes a proper block. He just seems to lack the awareness to get a piece of the linebacker when picking up the blitz. GRADE: 5.1
Compares To: LADELL BETTS, Washington -- Greene is a lot like most Iowa runner -- more quick than fast and best when running between tackles. He disputes the assessment that he is a "one year wonder," but he was not exactly exciting NFL teams with his mediocre performance at the NFL Combine. He has had academic issues throughout his education process, leading one to expect that he will struggle with a complicated play book. He is a marginal route runner and has no sustained speed to threaten as an outside runner. But, between the tackles, he is a load to stop one-on-one.
OVERALL GRADE: 5.92
--Report by Dave-Te' Thomas
Career Notes
In 33 games at Iowa, Greene started 13 contests, as he carried 376 times for 2,228 yards (5.93 avg.) and 22 touchdowns, adding 72 yards on 11 receptions (6.55 avg.), 114 yards on six kickoff returns (19.0 avg.) and six tackles (four solos), as he amassed 2,414 all-purpose yards, an average of 73.15 yards per game … His 2,228 yards on the ground rank ninth in school history … Set the school single-season record with 1,850 yards rushing in 2008, topping the previous mark of 1,691 yards by Tavian Banks in 1997 (only two Hawkeyes to rush for over 1,500 yards in a season) … His 1,805 yards tied Vaughn Dunbar of Indiana (1991) for eighth on the Big Ten Conference single-season record chart … With 307 carries in 2008, he joined Sedrick Shaw (316 in 1995) as the only Iowa players to have 300 or more rushing attempts in a season … His 20 touchdown runs rank 11th on the Big Ten annual record chart and broke the old school single-season record of 17 by Banks in 1997 … His 217 yards rushing vs. Wisconsin in 2008 tied Nick Bell (vs. Wisconsin in 1989) for sixth on the Iowa single-game record list … His four rushing touchdowns vs. Wisconsin in 2008 tied Banks' Hawkeyes single-game record (set vs. Tulsa in 1997) … Ran for over 1,900 yards in every game (13) in 2008, a Big Ten and school single-season record, as he also became just the third player in school history to rush for over 200 yards twice in a season (217 vs. Wisconsin, 211 vs. Purdue), joining Banks (314 vs. Tulsa and 204 vs. Northern Iowa in 1997) and Sedrick Shaw (250 vs. Michigan State and 214 vs. Wisconsin in 1995).
2008 Season
Earned All-America first-team honors from The NFL Draft Report, Football Writers Association of America, Walter Camp, American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News, becoming Iowa's first consensus All-American running back since Nile Kinnick in 1939 … All-Big Ten Conference first-team choice and named the league's Offensive Player of the Year … Recipient of the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation's top running back … The Chicago Tribune awarded him with the Silver Football, given to the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten … Named the team's offensive captain and Offensive MVP … Semi-finalist for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's top player … Set the school single-season records with 1,850 yards on 307 carries (6.0 avg.) and 20 touchdowns, as he led the conference and ranked second nationally with an average of 142.31 yards per game rushing … Caught eight passes for 49 yards and recorded one solo tackle … Finished second in the Big Ten and 22nd in the nation with 1,899 all-purpose yards, an average of 146.08 yards per game … Turned the ball over twice on fumbles -- one each vs. Florida International and Northwestern … Ran for over 100 yards in a Big Ten Conference single-season record 13 games.
2008 Game Analysis
Maine … Greene made his return to the gridiron a very successful one in a 46-3 opening win over Maine, as the offense rushed for 245 yards and gained 457 yards total offense … The tailback rushed 22 times for 109 yards and one touchdown, scoring on a 1-yard run on the first drive of the game to cap a 69-yard, 10-play series.
Florida International … Greene collected 130 yards on 13 attempts (10.0 avg.) with one touchdown, but also turned the ball over once on a fumble, as Iowa rushed for 241 yards and gained 512 yards total offense … Ended a 50-yard first-quarter possession with an 11-yard scoring burst.
Iowa State … The junior tailback scored once on 20 runs that totaled 120 yards and had a 15-yard reception … His 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped the Hawkeyes to a 17-5 victory, as his game-long 31-yarder also set up an Iowa field goal.
Pittsburgh … Greene followed with 23 attempts for 147 yards … In the second quarter, he broke two tackles and drag another defender into the end zone on a 6-yard touchdown run.
Northwestern … Greene generated 159 yards on 21 carries (7.6 avg.) and made up for a turnover on a fumble by finishing off an eight-play, 90-yard series with a 16-yard touchdown in the second stanza, helping the offense gain 407 yards … Greene missed the game's final 12 minutes after taking a blow to the head.
Michigan State … The tailback was cleared by the medical staff to play and, while he had his five-game scoring streak end, he did manage to register 157 yards on 30 carries.
Indiana … Collected 115 of the team's 227 rushing yards, touching the ball 23 times … In the second quarter, he broke loose for a 12-yard touchdown jaunt before being rested in the fourth quarter.
Wisconsin … Greene amassed a career-high 217 yards on 25 attempts and tied the school single-game record with four touchdown runs … Scored on carries of 12 and 34 yards to help Iowa to 14-3 halftime advantage … Added touchdown scampers of 52 and 34 yards in the second half and averaged 8.7 yards per carry for the game … His 52-yarder was his career longest.
Illinois … The tailback delivered 21 carries for 103 yards and had a 23-yard reception … In the fourth quarter, he found daylight for a 5-yard score.
Penn State … Greene powered his way for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 28 attempts in a 24-23 upset win over the Nittany Lions … He began the game's scoring with a first-quarter 14-yard scamper … Later in the fourth quarter, he sparked a rally with a 6-yard touchdown.
Purdue … The offense netted 248 yards, with 211 coming from Greene, who carried 30 times and found the end zone twice … His second-quarter score saw the tailback weave in and out of the defense before breaking free for a 75-yard jaunt … In the fourth quarter, he scored on a game-winning 14-yard carry in a 22-17 decision, earning Big Ten Player of the Week honors.
Minnesota … Greene rushed 22 times for 144 yards (6.5 avg.), as he scored twice for the third consecutive game … His 9-yard touchdown ended a 73-yard second quarter series and closed out a seven-play, 79-yard third-quarter possession with a 15-yard score.
South Carolina (Outback Bowl) … In what would be his final college game, Greene raced to the end zone for three scores, carrying 29 times for 121 yards.
2007 Season
Was ruled academically ineligible … Enrolled at Kirkwood Community College to improve his grades, but was taken off scholarship at Iowa.
2006 Season
Greene played in nine games as a reserve tailback, sitting out the Michigan, Northern Illinois and Northwestern contests with an ankle sprain that he suffered vs. Indiana … Still managed to finish third on the team with 205 yards and one touchdown on 32 carries (6.4 avg.) … Caught three passes for 23 yards (7.7 avg.) and returned six kickoffs for 114 yards (19.0 avg.) … Changed to jersey No. 23 prior to the start of the season … Ran for 54 yards on eight carries vs. Illinois and produced a season-high 88 yards with a touchdown on 11 chances vs. Penn State … Recorded a solo tackle vs. Minnesota.
2005 Season
Played in 11 games as one of five true freshmen to letter … Carried 37 times for 173 yards (4.7 avg.) and a touchdown … Recorded five tackles (four solos) on special teams, coming up with three solo stops vs. Ball State and made one tackle in each of the Northwestern and Michigan clashes … In his collegiate debut, he scored on a 6-yard run and gained 116 yards on 18 carries vs. Ball State … Rushed 15 times for 45 yards in the Northern Iowa game … Wore jersey No. 45 as a freshman.
PREP SCHOOL
Attended Milford Academy in 2004, as he rushed for 1,274 yards.
Injury Report
2005: Did not play vs. Purdue (10/08) after spraining his ankle vs. Illinois.
2006: Sat out the Michigan (10/21), Northern Illinois (10/28) and Northwestern (11/04) games with an ankle sprain.
2008: Greene missed the game's final 12 minutes after taking a blow to the head in the Northwestern contest (9/27).
Attended Winslow Township (N.J.) High School, playing football for head coach Felton Jones … First-team all-conference and second-team all-state choice as a senior … The previous year, he was the recipient of all-state, All-South Jersey and all-conference honors … Ended his prep career with 4,266 yards and 43 touchdowns on 503 rushing attempts (8.48 avg.) … The tailback and linebacker registered 191 tackles with one interception during his career … Carried 172 times for 1,378 yards (8.0 avg.) and 16 touchdowns as a senior and rushed for 1,267 yards and 18 touchdowns on 221 attempts (5.7 avg.) as a junior.
Personal
Sociology major … Son of Reginald Greene … Raised by his grandmother, Cheryl Greene. He has a big heart with "Cheryl" tattooed in the middle of it on his neck. "She's probably the number one woman in my life right now," Greene said. "She raised me. I have a lot of love for her, a lot of respect. I pretty much owe her this whole ordeal here. She's a great woman. I owe her the world." … Born 8/21/85 … Resides in Sicklerville, New Jersey.
