One of the standout performers at last week’s Senior Bowl was Marshall edge rusher Mike Green, who showcased his elite pass-rushing ability throughout the week. Green consistently challenged offensive tackles in one-on-one drills and team sessions, proving he belonged among the best prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. His highlight of the week came when he bulldozed Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., a projected late first-round pick. After a dominant showing in Mobile and an incredible final season at Marshall, Green has firmly positioned himself as a potential first-round pick, and a perfect fit for the Atlanta Falcons.
Mike Green. SIR. pic.twitter.com/v1CZAAzn0H
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) January 29, 2025
Beyond his Senior Bowl dominance, Green’s game tape from the 2024 season should also impress the Falcons. He put together one of the most productive seasons ever for a Marshall defensive lineman, leading the nation with 22.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks. His 17 sacks also set a new Sun Belt Conference record, earning him All-American honors. Simply put, Green’s production was off the charts.
What makes Green such an intriguing prospect is his explosive first step off the edge. He possesses the speed and bend to consistently beat offensive tackles while also maintaining enough power to set the edge in the run game. His advanced pass-rush arsenal includes a variety of moves and counter-moves, making him a difficult assignment for any blocker. Additionally, despite being slightly undersized at 6-foot-3 and 251 pounds, Green graded out well against the run, earning a 90.2 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. His relentless motor and ability to play from a two-point stance further enhance his value in the Falcon's 3-4 defense.
However, there are some concerns Atlanta will have to weigh. The biggest is that Green was a one-year wonder before his breakout 2024 campaign, he had never recorded more than 4.5 sacks in a season. Additionally, his lack of experience in coverage could be a red flag for Atlanta as they ask their edge defenders to drop into coverage at times. Over two seasons at Marshall, he dropped into coverage just 21 times across more than 1,000 snaps. Lastly, as a Group of Five player, some may question if his production will translate against NFL competition. That said, his dominant Senior Bowl performance against Power Fout talent should help alleviate those concerns.
Falcons must improve their pass rush
The Falcons have every reason to consider Green with their first-round pick, as edge rusher is one of their most glaring weaknesses. Atlanta ranked 31st in the NFL last season with just 28 sacks and finished 26th in pass-rush win rate (35.4%). Compounding the issue, key veterans like Matthew Judon and James Smith-Williams are set to hit free agency, leaving a major void on the defensive front. Judon, who finished second on the team with 5.5 sacks, will also be turning 33 years old, making it critical for the Falcons to invest in young talent at the position.
If Atlanta drafts Green, he would likely step into Judon’s role and provide an immediate boost to the pass rush. His speed, technique, and relentless effort make him an excellent scheme fit in the Falcons’ 3-4 defense, and his ability to set the edge against the run would help solidify the unit. With his combination of athleticism, production, and potential, Green could be the impact pass rusher Atlanta desperately needs to take its defense to the next level.