It is never too early to start talking about the NFL Draft. Throughout the draft process, we will be looking at specific players, position rankings, and plenty of mock drafts.
The Eagles have a handful of needs that they will address in this upcoming draft and we are going to highlight a few positions specifically. With the potential retirement of Brandon Graham, the DE position will be an area of concern after the season.
Let's kick this off with someone that should very much be on the Eagles radar ahead of April's draft, but you probably have never heard of. Marshall's Mike Green skyrocketted up draft baords all season and helped the Thundering Herd to their first Sun Belt Championship in program history. In doing so he was named Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year after breaking countless records and leading all of college football in almost every sack category this past season.
Green went from an unknown in 2024 to a potential first round pick in 2025. He used a monster season at Marshall to elevate his draft stock. In 2024, Green led the FBS in sacks, tackles for loss, sack yardage, tackle for loss yardage, and tackles for a defensive lineman. In 2023 Green was a consistent defender on the outside for Marshall and in 2024 he became one of the best defensive ends in football.
Green began his career at Virginia. He never appeared in a game for the Cavaliers before transferring to Marshall. He would start every game for Marshall over the last two years.
Let's get into the player profile for Green.
Strengths
When evaluating Mike Green's play, there are 3 key strengths. that sit out for me.
Hand coordination and movements
When you watch Green play, he possess a tool box of elite skills. This all starts with his hand movements. He can swipe through any defensive lineman with ease. He has been double team'd numerous times and is able to swipe through each of them. He is a former high school wrestler and his heavy hands from that shows throughout his play. Opposing teams have tried tight ends and tackles in attempt to block Green and he is able to shred all of them.
Ability to play all 4 downs.
One thing that many will question with Green is his lack of playing elite talent. Even though the Sun Belt is a competitive conference, they are no SEC or Big Ten. Green will probably need some time to develop into a NFL defensive end. One thing that will make him intriguing is he played on special teams for Marshall as well. He was typically on the field for field goal blocks and kick coverage. His ability to make an impact on the game in the special teams portions of game will allow himself time in the NFL to truly develop.
Fluid mover
Usually when you watch a defensive end with elite hands, their movements are not as fluid as people would like. I don't see that with Green. His change of direction and ability to close in on the ball is tremendous.
Weakness
Even though Green is an absolute unit for Marshall, there are some areas of concern for him.
Lack of elite competition.
It is no question that Marshall did not have the easiest schedule the last two years and he never faced consistent elite competition. The debate with him will be, would he be able to play at this level in the NFL. Marshall did play Ohio State in 2024 and Green had two TFL and 1 sack in the game. Not his greatest game, but he was still able to be an impact player on defense. Green's ability to make a difference on special teams will allow teams to still play Green and allow him time to develop.
Run game defense
Green will rush so hard and fast that running backs can have their way with him. If he can get a hold of a player, his hand and arm strength can take any QB or RB down. However, with a simple spin move or fake, Green can easily become off balanced with how hard and fast he comes in.
Final Thoughts
The concerns for Green are warranted and I do not think that Green is a day 1 starter on defense. However, with his ability to contribute on special teams and make an impact on special teams, this makes him a very intriguing prospect.
Green's tool box of skills should make him a 1st round draft pick. He is going to need to continue to add weight and strength at the next level, but once he does he can step in and contribute. His hand skills and ability to swim move any defender is so much fun to watch.
With Brandon Graham's impending retirement in the future and Howie love building from the trenches, defensive end will be a position of need for the Eagles.