FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Marshall defensive end Mike Green. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Mike Green
Mike Green (DE – Marshall)
6-foot-4 | 248 Pounds
Background
Mike Green originally attended his home state school —the University of Virginia — where he spent two years there but barely played (38 snaps over two years) before transferring to Marshall. Rotated into the defense for 341 snaps (one start) in 2023, posting a 43-9.0-4.5 line. He then led the nation in sacks this past season with a monster 84-23.0-17.0 line.
Positives
Established himself as one of college football’s premier EDGE rushers this past season, his first as a starter. Not one of the biggest EDGE rushers, but Green has added over 30 pounds of bulk since arriving on campus and has a nice frame. Plays the game with a tough, physical temperament, typically out of a two-point stance on the strong side. Relishes contact and shows a good willingness to do the dirty work by taking on blockers in the hole. Shows good discipline on the back end in the run game, with a strong motor in backside pursuit.
Green has some violence in his hands to shed blocks. His upper-body strength overall is impressive. The team often aligned him between tackle and guard. Has the power to discard interior linemen at times. Has the lateral quickness to get early penetration with his first step, often mixed with a swim move. Dominated opponents as a pass-rusher all season, including in the team’s high-profile games against out-of-conference opponents.
Has a very explosive first step that allows him to win with his speed rush on passing downs. Flexibility in his hips and ankles is impressive, allowing him to bend a smooth arc around the edge. Has a violent, controlled spin counter he works when his initial move is unsuccessful. Reliable finisher who closes quickly from the backside and forced three fumbles this past season.
Negatives
One-year starter who will be making a big leap up in level of competition. Despite adding bulk throughout his career, Green has been measuring in below his official weight during the pre-draft process. His length is below average. Awareness in the run game is still a work in progress. Could be more consistent about keeping his eyes up as he flows to the ball; can be a tick late to locate at times, causing him to overpursue.
Would like to see some more gap discipline on early downs out of him. Looks more comfortable playing attacking, aggressive football than he does setting the edge and holding the point of attack. Green can occasionally play out over his base, leading to minor balance issues, but crop up more often than you’d like. Speed-based approach to rushing the passer can occasionally undermine the team’s run fits at times. Would like to see more of an element of speed to power in his rush approach to better maximize his explosiveness. Somewhat susceptible to cut blocks on the backside. Was very rarely asked to drop into coverage.
Summary
A stand-up EDGE who put himself on the map this past season with his nation-leading sack totals, Green isn’t just (or even primarily) a pure speed-rusher, but rather a tough, physical and explosive defender with active, violent hands.
He’ll likely need to polish his awareness and gap discipline in the run game to work his way into a starting lineup at the next level but has the tools to get there with time. Looks like a valuable rotational EDGE rusher early on. Would be best in an aggressive, attacking odd front with one-gap principles.
Projection: Round 2
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