Marshall EDGE defender Mike Green is a big name in draft circles heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. As his name gains traction among NFL fans as a whole, the question looms of just how high he can go come April. There are a number of factors in Green’s game that make him a fascinating evaluation. At the end of the day, it is likely that Green will be a day one selection. Whether or not the tape supports this conclusion will vary from team to team.
Overview, Film Analysis, And 2025 Scouting Report Of Marshall EDGE Mike Green
Measurables
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 251 lbs
Player Background
Mike Green emerged as a three-star prospect from Lafayette High School in Williamsburg, Virginia. Notching second and third place state titles in wrestling as a sophomore and junior, Green’s focus would lay solely on football as a college decision loomed. Opting to stay close to home, Green enrolled at the University of Virginia in 2021. The marriage was short-lived, as after his second season with the Cavaliers, Green entered the transfer portal. He would settle on the Marshall Thundering Herd as his destination.
This decision proved to be crucial for Green’s pro prospects. His game took a jump in the 2023 season. That jump would be magnified immensely in 2024, where Green would go on to record an NCAA leading 17 sacks. Mike Green’s play in 2024 earned him a first team All-American nod. These accolades, coupled with his 90+ PFF grades, begin to paint a picture of a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths
The tape for Mike Green does back up many of the strengths that are spoken about in regards to his game. The first thing that jumps out on tape for the pass rusher is the speed at which he plays the game. Green is an explosive edge defender, with a quick first step. He absolutely demonstrates enough straight line speed in chase down scenarios to warrant major testing expectations. Marshall also trusted Green’s athleticism, feeling confident in his ability to drop into zone coverage.
The bread and butter of Mike Green’s game lies in his pass rush ability. Green has a powerful initial strike that begins to quell some concerns associated with his overall size. He also demonstrates adequate leg drive that will compensate for any issues in upper body brute strength. The true gem of his game lies in his ability to bend an edge. Green possesses the innate talent to contort his body into angles that offensive linemen simply cannot compete with. Regardless of what level of football Green is playing at, this is a skill and ability that will translate. His pass rush moves, when utilized properly, are sudden and aggressive. While not an ideal move, his swim is particularly dangerous. He has a special spin that does take some setting up to deploy. The natural twitch and aggression across all of his pass rush metrics are sure to entice coaches at the next level.
Weaknesses
There are some physical limitations to Green’s game due in part to his underwhelming arm length. There are times on film where missed tackles can be attributed to the fact that runners are simply out of his reach. A distance that would not be too far for may other edge defenders. Additionally, Green’s short wing span does allow for offensive tackles to sometimes get into his chest despite decent timing on his initial punch. When tackles get a handle on Green’s initial move, he has not shown a great ability to deploy a secondary or counter move. Green is also a bit slow at times to attempt a counter spin move, resulting in his back being turned to the play for longer than it should. Instances where he can lose an edge in the run game have also emerged, as Green sometimes becomes too locked in on winning his one-on-one matchup. Luckily, these concerns can be remedied as Green transitions to the next level.
Potential Team Fits
NFL Projection
Mike Green possesses the raw talent and unteachable abilities that make special pass rushers at the NFL level. It will take some coaching for him to reach that potential. Ideally, Green finds himself in a position where he can focus on being a 9-tech pass rusher. Situational passing downs in year one would best suit him finding ways to work with his length in order to mitigate his weaknesses. As he develops a more robust pass rush repertoire, the sky is the limit for his NFL production. Green has the talent to warrant a day one selection in the NFL draft.
Main Photo: Eamon Horwedel – Imagn Images
