Mike Green was the most productive pass rusher in the FBS last season. But some wondered if the Marshall EDGE would be viewed as a first-round pick.
He attempted to answer those questions this offseason during the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. His draft stock skyrocketed following one particular Senior Bowl practice.
During a one-on-one rep against Oregon offensive lineman Josh Conerly Jr., one of the top tackles in this year’s draft class, Green showcased his athleticism and pass-rushing prowess. Against top-notch competition, he pushed Conerly on his back almost instantly after the snap.
“It was kind of crazy,” Green told media at the NFL Combine. “I’ve seen a few views that had a million views. It was just a pleasure, and it was a relief. Because I was out there for one reason, one reason only, and that’s to show that I can compete with these top guys. It was just a pleasure. I’m thankful for the Senior Bowl and the opportunity that they gave me to go out there and show my talent.”
Green will certainly be a draft prospect to watch out for.
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Mike Green NFL Draft Projection
I project Mike Green will be selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Outlets have reported that NFL teams have character concerns about Green. He obviously has the talent to be a starter in the NFL, but it’s not yet clear how franchises will take that into account during the first round – or later, for that matter.
But the Falcons need help up front, as they were second-to-last in the NFL in 2024 with 31 sacks. No matter what the Falcons decide to do, I think it’s possible Green will go somewhere in this range.
What Was Mike Green’s 40 Time At The NFL Combine?
Mike Green didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine. He did complete 28 bench press reps there, though, which tied for ninth among all participants and was second out of 15 EDGE players.
Green was certainly confident that his tape had illustrated how well he could play at the next level.
“I’m the best EDGE rusher here,” Green said at the combine.
Mike Green’s Height & Weight
Mike Green was measured at 6-foot-3, 251 pounds at the NFL Combine.
“I’d probably just say just keep on chipping away at showing what I can do,” he said when asked how he’s been so productive despite his size. “I know sometimes undersized guys sometimes have trouble setting the edge and things like that, and, man, I’m just out here and I’ve been proving to myself and other people that I can do things such as setting the edge, and I can do things such as power rushing and things like that. It might be a little talk out there about me not being able to do certain things, but when you turn on the film and watch all 700 plays, you’ll see sparks and highlights of the way I play.”
Mike Green’s Stats & Highlights
Mike Green was the HERO Sports Group of Five Defensive Player of the Year after leading the country with 17 sacks in 2024.
Green was also first in the FBS with 22.5 tackles for loss, sack yardage (144), and TFL yardage (155) as well as tackles by a defensive lineman with 84. Green’s single-season sack total set a Sun Belt record and tied the Marshall record set in 1986 by Cecil Fletcher. Green also totaled three forced fumbles and 15 quarterback hurries last season.
Green recorded a single-game career-high 11 tackles in three games in 2024 and totaled a career-best three sacks against Southern Miss while tallying at least two sacks in five games, including against Virginia Tech. He recorded a TFL in 12 of 13 games and a sack in 10 of 13 contests.
Green showed some potential in 2023 when he tallied 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks, including 3.5 sacks in his final five appearances of that year. He also recovered a fumble and added six quarterback hurries.
Green went to Marshall after playing at Virginia in 2021. He played in six games and recorded four tackles as a true freshman.
“I think what sets me apart is my pass-rushing ability,” Green said. “I’m also good in the run defense. I’ve just got a lot of tools in my bag when it comes down to moves that I can do and how I can defend the run.”
Where Is Mike Green From?
Mike Green’s hometown is Williamsburg, Virginia. He played linebacker and tight end at Lafayette High School, where he was a three-star recruit. He began his collegiate career at Virginia before going to Marshall.
Mike Green’s NFL Comparison & 2025 NFL Draft Profile
Green said he enjoys watching Micah Parsons, Nik Bonitto, and Will Anderson Jr. and wants to model his game after them.
“There’s a lot of guys,” Green said. “I pick different traits from each guy. I probably don’t have one guy that I model my game after. I think I can show flashes of how Nik Bonitto’s speed is, and I think WIll Anderson’s physicality. I’m versatile. I’m just like Micah (Parsons), how he’s able to line up in different formations and things like that.
“It’s not just one person that I think I model my game after. I just show little flashes of traits here and there.”
Green does possess a unique blend of abilities. He’s quick after the snap and proved with his number of bench press reps at the NFL Combine that he’s strong as well.
Green was first among all FBS EDGE rushers in Pro Football Focus’ defensive grades last season. He was also second in PFF’s grades for run defense and tied for sixth for pass rushing.
Green also tied for ninth in the country with 59 quarterback pressures and led all FBS EDGE rushers with 49 defensive stops which were constituted as failures for the offense.
“Normally, what I do is I like to sell speed first, speed rushes,” Green said of his approach to pass rushing. “That kind of sets me up in order to do counters, inside moves, spins, and things like that. It’s going to be game-planned. It’s just whatever I know the tackle’s weaknesses are, that’s typically what I plan for during the week.”
The fact that Green had his best seasons in the FBS while at a G5 school like Marshall has been talked about by draft analysts. But he’s been productive, even against teams like Virginia Tech when he tallied two sacks and at Ohio State where he recorded another sack.
Green has proven he can play at a high level, even against NFL-caliber opponents.
“Every time that I go against a greater competition level, I never seem to fail,” Green said. “That’s just something that I think I’ve been improving on is just going out here and showing people what I can do.”
