Mike Green, Marshall, OLB, 6031, 251, rSo.

Draft Profile

Frankly: Quick, clever and fun to watch him toy with blockers to (smartly) avoid contact. Former wide receiver is still growing into this position. First rounder. 

Overview

Green’s explosive first step and advanced rush techniques project him as a highly impactful pass rusher in sub-package roles early in his NFL career. His ability to blend speed and technical precision sets him apart as a specialist on passing downs, where he consistently keeps tackles off balance. While his lighter 248-pound frame raises concerns about his ability to anchor against NFL offensive tackles in the run game, Green's athletic traits and leverage give him room for development into a three-down player. As a standup rusher in a 3-4 defensive front, his natural instincts and improving hand usage suggest eventual versatility beyond situational roles. Teams like the Ravens or 49ers could maximize Green’s pass rush value while refining his frame and developing him into a more well-rounded contributor. His wrestling background, combined with a steep improvement trajectory at Marshall, hints at long-term growth potential, making him an intriguing prospect with a high ceiling.

Background

Green’s journey to NFL prospect status reflects remarkable versatility and adaptation. A former wide receiver turned linebacker, Green transitioned to edge rushing during his college career, unlocking his immense potential. After beginning at Virginia as a 215-pound linebacker, Green transferred to Marshall following a football hiatus in 2022. His breakout 2024 season saw him lead the FBS with 17 sacks and set the Sun Belt Conference record, earning Walter Camp First Team All-American honors and Sun Belt Player of the Year recognition. Green’s dominance went beyond numbers, as his multi-sack performances against Virginia Tech and Coastal Carolina highlighted his ability to consistently disrupt backfields. His wrestling background contributed to his nuanced hand-fighting skills and positional leverage, aiding his dramatic rise from relative obscurity to a potential first-round selection.

Scouting Report

Pros: Green’s explosiveness off the snap is unmatched, routinely beating tackles with speed and showcasing elite ankle flexion to flatten his rush paths. His pass rush repertoire is highly advanced for his age, including a devastating cross-chop and fluid spin move that keeps blockers guessing. He uses his natural leverage effectively to defeat taller tackles, leveraging his violent hands to disengage quickly. Green’s relentless motor frequently leads to extended effort sacks, and his ability to close space quickly results in consistent disruption. His wrestling background manifests in his sophisticated block-shedding techniques and ability to navigate tight spaces effectively. Additionally, Green’s exceptional change of direction skills enable him to redirect and adjust mid-rush when tackles overset. His natural instincts for setting up and executing moves showcase an understanding of offensive tendencies, allowing him to anticipate and exploit weaknesses effectively.

Cons: Green’s undersized frame limits his ability to set the edge against the run, particularly against stronger NFL tackles. His tendency to pursue splash plays occasionally results in gaps in containment, leaving running lanes vulnerable. Upper body strength needs improvement, as he struggles to disengage when locked onto by longer blockers. With limited experience dropping into coverage, his versatility remains unproven, and his tackling technique, while aggressive, is inconsistent in space due to a tendency to leave his feet.

HISTORY -- From College BIO

2024 Walter Camp 1st Team All-American
2024 AFCA 2nd Team All-American
2024 Associated Press 2nd Team All-American
2024 FWAA 2nd Team All-American
2024 College Football Network EDGE Defender of the Year
2024 HERO G5 Defensive Player of the Year
2024 Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year
2024 All-SBC First Team Defense
2024 Marshall Team MVP
2024 Marshall Eternal Captain
R-SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024): Mike Green put together one of the most decorated seasons in Marshall history, leading the FBS in 2024 in sacks (17.0), sack yardage (144), tackles for loss (22.5), TFL yardage (155) and tackles by a defensive lineman (84). The 17.0 sacks set a Sun Belt Conference record and also tied the Marshall record, set by Cecil Fletcher in 1986.

Green registered a tackle for loss in 12 of 13 games this season and recorded a sack in 10 of 13 games this season, making him one of the most consistent defensive forces in the nation, which also led to him being named a 2024 Walter Camp First Team All-American and Second Team All-American by AFCA, the Associated Press, FWAA.

Green set a career-high in tackles with 11 three times this season - against Western Michigan, Georgia State and Coastal Carolina. His career-high in sacks was three against Southern Miss and he had at least two sacks in five games: Virginia Tech (2.0), App State (2.5), ULM (2.0), Southern Miss (3.0) and Coastal Carolina (2.0). Green also had three forced fumbles and 15 quarterback hurries in 2024.

R-FRESHMAN SEASON (2023): Consistently improved throughout 2023 and became one of Marshall's top edge performers by season's end. Finished the 2023 season with 43 tackles, including 9.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks with six QB hurries. One of his top performances came in the regular-season ending win over Arkansas State that made Marshall bowl eligible in which Green had four tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack. Green also had at least a half-tackle for loss in each of the last five games of the season, making him one of the Herd's most consistent forces off the edge.

HERD FILE: Comes to Marshall from The University of Virginia. The 6-4, 250-pound edge presence possesses a 380-pound bench press and 440-pound squat. Out of Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, Green was offered by 25 schools, including Virginia Tech, Kentucky, Kansas State and Pitt before deciding to choose Virginia