If the Mike Green hype train hasn’t left the station yet, it’s at least doing its final boarding call based on what the Baltimore Ravens rookie has done already.
Ultimately, Green might end up looking like the biggest steal of the 2025 NFL Draft. Off-field issues and concerns caused the Marshall edge rusher — who has first-round talent — to drop to No. 59 where Baltimore finally called his name in the second round.
Ultimately, that will require Green to stay out of trouble off the field, but if he can do that, he has flashed the sort of talent that will make him an impact player between the lines. Green is already turning heads for what he’s been able to do in training camp and his first preseason game.
How Mike Green Has Impressed ‘Baldy’ So Far
Arguably no one has been more impressed than former NFL offensive lineman and current NFL Media analyst Brian Baldinger. The expert in the trenches was borderline salivating after going through Green’s tape from the preseason opener vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Then, in an appearance on NFL Network recently, he raved about Green’s performance and what it means for his potential, especially in a defense like Baltimore’s.
“I watched him, he played 33 snaps in the opening preseason game, and he threw every kind of pass-rush move you could throw at somebody,” Baldinger said on NFL Network. “I saw five different moves. He had no fear. I saw him spin, I saw him be the power, I saw him dip and rip, I saw him cross-chop. He was not afraid to throw his repertoire in the preseason.”
Ravens Might Be Perfect Landing Spot for Green
As you’d expect, Green is getting positive feedback from the organization, too. NFL insider Jordan Schultz recently shared intel he got from a member of the Ravens’ coaching staff about the progress Green is making.
“He just knows how to get to the quarterback,” the coach told Schultz.
The Ravens just wanted to see it on the field against a real opponent, and they came away pleased with that, too.
“He’s relentless … You feel him every snap,” the coach said, per Schultz. “It’s fun to watch his tape and see the bend he has for his size. He’s gonna be a great player.”
And as Baldinger noted, there aren’t a lot of better places for Green to land. Getting a chance to work with pass rush coach Chuck Smith, who was a tremendous NFL player himself, will only help Green reach his potential faster.
“It caught my eye because he’s being coached by Chuck Smith, a great pass-rush specialist to begin with,” Baldinger added. “He’s in an organization that recognizes what a true edge pass rusher looks like. They led the league in sacks two years ago and in this defense, I think he’s got a very bright future. Sometimes it takes a rookie defensive lineman a redshirt year to figure it out, but I’m not going to be surprised if he has success this year.”
If the Ravens can get healthy in the secondary — a big if with some of the injury-prone pieces they have on the back end — they’ve got the front-seven skill and depth to be one of the NFL’s best defenses. The presence of Green will only help.
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