Before the Baltimore Ravens selected Mike Green, many of the pre-draft scouting reports regurgitated much of the same information. He was explosive, physical, active, and instinctive. He also had a tendency to get knocked off course and lose his contain responsibility.

Through two weeks of regular-season action, we haven’t seen the ‘steal’ most thought he’d be or hoped for. He’s seemingly lacked the length and mass needed to be an elite pass rusher at football’s highest level. He has played so hard at times that he’s worn himself out or allowed the opposing offensive lineman to use his momentum against him.

Advertisement

Technique can be taught and corrected. A man’s size and body type can’t be. Sure, Green can add weight and muscle, but his arms certainly aren’t going to grow longer, which begs the question. Did Baltimore miss something in their evaluation of their new rookie?

Mike Green faces his toughest test yet as Ravens tackle Lions.

The short answer to the above question is ‘it’s too early to tell’. We acknowledge that young quarterbacks need reps to improve. We don’t often see an edge rusher’s growth in the same fashion. Green should get better. Patience is needed. Hopefully, we won’t need a ton, but if you’re looking for a Week 3 breakout, we regret to inform you that Gren’s job won’t get any easier vs. the Detroit Lions. The defending NFC North champions are Baltimore’s opponent for the next edition of Monday Night Football.

Detroit’s offensive line is bookended by two 2024 Pro Bowlers, Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell. The latter is also a two-time First-Team All-Pro. Kyle Van Noy is injured. If you’re a ‘glass-half-full’ thinker, that can be seen as an opportunity for some of the youngsters to gain more experience with extra playing time.

Advertisement

We’re going to learn a lot about Mike Green in Van Noy’s absence, and truthfully, our gut tells us that, eventually, the ‘on’ switch will be flipped. If we’re being honest, however, we’d recommend tempering expectations this week. He’s probably not going to go off vs. Decker and Sewell. He doesn’t appear to have that level of game-breaking ability yet.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens may need to wait a week longer for rookie’s breakout