The 2024 season was a painful one for the New Orleans Saints, with the team picking up just five years. The one good thing about having a horrible season like that is a quality draft pick. The Saints have the ninth-overall pick, and will pick near the top of every round.
That means New Orleans will have the chance to land quality prospects like Mike Green.
Mike Green is the kind of defender the Saints need
Accolades: 2nd team All American, Sun Belt Conference Player of the year, team captain
2024 stats: 719 snaps, 17 sacks, 59 pressures, 23 tackles for loss
Size: 6’3, 251 pounds
Projection: Early 2nd round
Mike Green was virtually unknown going into the season, now he’s a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Green dominated the Senior Bowl with his athleticism and wide array of pass-rush moves. He played one season at Virginia before transferring to Marshall where he blossomed into the player he is now.
It was utter domination by Green at the Senior Bowl, highlighted by him running through Josh Conerly Jr., a top tackle prospect.
Marshall edge Mike Green - who had the practice field buzzing after this rep earlier today in 1-on-1’s - has opted to withdraw from the rest of the Senior Bowl week and head home to continue with his draft prep.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 30, 2025
He led the FBS with 17.0 sacks this season. pic.twitter.com/vpdw45vosm
There is no doubt that Green made himself some money down in Mobile. He showed that he can produce not just against Sun Belt opponents, but against some of the top lineman in the class.
Green’s ability to burst off the line is impressive for a defender. He stays low and gets a solid jump on the offensive lineman. This results in him winning immediately. Quick pressures are something Green brings to a defense often, which the Saints desperately need.
Green is athletic as they come for an edge rusher, and he’s set to shine at the combine testing. Playing in the Sun Belt, he was usually faster than his opponent, however, this isn’t the only way he can win.
Green has a repertoire of pass rush moves that he implements successfully. He has strong hands, able to move the opposing lineman off his spot, and he also has an impressive spin move that he uses to counter the lineman if he blocks his first attempt. He still has room to grow but these moves will allow him to contribute to an NFL team no matter what, even if he doesn’t fully develop.
The facet that Green needs to improve most is his ability to defend the run. He has a small frame which can result in him getting overpowered by bigger lineman. Him getting pushed into no man’s land happens far too often. Green does showcase an impressive ability to shoot gaps but it’s not as frequent as a team would desire.
Mike Green pairs collegiate production with skills that should translate into the NFL. His historic rise from the start of the season to where he is now shows how much he has developed. The Saints should be interested in Green if he falls to the second round.