Drafted: Round 2, No. 59 overall
Ozzie Newsome once told me that sack production translates from college to the NFL. That’s why I was not surprised to see his Ravens snag the reigning FBS sack king to bolster a pass rush that needs to be at its best to neutralize the elite quarterbacks in the AFC. Widely viewed as a first-round talent, Green likely dropped to Round 2 for character reasons. He denied two previous, uncharged sexual assault allegations at the combine. GM Eric DeCosta commented on the team’s vetting of Green last Friday night: “We understand the severity of what these allegations were, of course, but doing our due diligence, we are comfortable with Mike.” From a strict on-field perspective, the Marshall product is an alluring edge rusher, especially for this defense. Green’s explosive first-step quickness, fierce handplay and relentless effort make him a perfect addition to a defensive front that is always in hunt mode in Zach Orr’s scheme. Moreover, the 6-foot-3, 251-pound pass rusher exhibits the hair-on-fire playing style and alpha-dog temperament the Ravens covet in their trench defenders.