Garrett Greene is known for being West Virginia’s quarterback. However, to improve his draft stock, he’s making the switch to wide receiver. History’s proven that a successful NFL career is still possible after making the change, with guys like Julian Edelman and Antwaan Randle El each having illustrious careers.
This move wasn’t made on a whim for the former Mountaineer. Greene and his agent each talked to multiple teams and thought through every option. “With my agent talking to teams, and you know, me talking to teams, we thought it would be beneficial to both parties, for me to make a change,” Greene said at the Big 12 Pro Day. “More so, like making the roster and then also having an impact on the field.”
He had a prominent career at West Virginia, with back-to-back seasons where he threw over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his decision making held him back at times, throwing 12 interceptions in 2024. Pairing this with his smaller frame (5’11”, 201 pounds) made the position switch necessary for a career in the NFL.
The Big 12 Pro Day was vital to showing scouts that Greene was able to make the switch, especially the testing. Here are the results and his rankings among receivers that participated at the conference pro day.
- 4.5 40-yard dash (7 out of 29)
- 36.5” vertical jump (8 out of 31)
- 9’7” broad jump (27 out of 31)
- 6.84 3 cone (Tied for 3 out of 32)
- 4.08 shuttle (2 out of 34)
Greene proved that he’s got the necessary straight line speed, change of direction and explosiveness to thrive in the NFL. He looked like a seasoned veteran running routes. His cuts were quick and precise. Once the ball hit his hands he rapidly secured it and turned up field, never dropping a pass.
Luckily for Greene, this wasn’t his first time playing receiver. Having experience prior in his career helped ease the transition.
"I think it helped me growing up. I played receiver all throughout until really my sophomore year of high school, so I kind of have a background in it. But a lot of this technical work and stuff like that, obviously it was a huge learning curve for me. But I had a great coach down in Pensacola and he really, really helped out a lot."Garrett Greene on transitioning to WR
No one is pretending that high school training will seamlessly translate to the NFL but the basic fundamentals still apply. His training in Pensacola, Florida with fellow receivers Donte Thorton and Marcus Harris will also help him grow.
Greene’s time at quarterback will benefit him at wide receiver. It’s a similar situation as Julian Edelman, who was an extremely smart and savvy receiver, always being where the quarterback needs him.
“I think that having all my time spent at quarterback, now getting to receiver, I think I can kind of see the field differently than most receivers,” Greene said, “I’ve had to prepare to be a quarterback for all these years so I think that going forward like that will only help me. Coverage recognition and blitzes and things like that.”
Greene’s transition to a wide receiver will be an interesting story to watch. Regardless of if he gets drafted, he will get the opportunity to compete for a spot as an undrafted free agent. He proved that he’s got the athletic ability, it’s now just if he can make the adjustment to the NFL.