Pundit Says Mike Green Could Be Next Edge Rusher to Thrive Under Jesse Minter
Bolstering the pass rush is at the top of the Ravens’ offseason priorities list, and reinforcements could come via the draft and free agency. There’s also the possibility that a player currently on the roster levels up.
Pro Football Focus’ Thomas Valentine identified 10 players who could flourish under their new head coaches, and second-year outside linebacker Mike Green was among them.
Valentine believes Green can make strides both as an edge rusher and a run defender in Head Coach Jesse Minter’s scheme based on Minter’s two seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator.
“Minter’s arrival could be Mike Green’s (46.3 grade; 113th) gain,” Valentine wrote. “The 2025 second-round pick struggled in his rookie season, but still tallied 34 pressures and four sacks off the edge. His ability as a pass-rusher isn’t in question. Green’s 34 pressures were sixth among rookie defenders, and his 21 stops were fifth. But there’s room to improve, especially against the run. His 47.1 PFF run-defense grade was second-last on the defensive line.
“The Chargers’ 70.4 PFF run-defense grade was 11th in 2025, and Minter helped his edge defenders to some strong production against both the pass and run. Veteran Khalil Mack (79.2 grade; 16th) earned another strong grade against the run (77.2 grade), while former Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh (75.5 grade; 26th) had an 81.0 PFF pass-rushing grade in 2025, the best of his career. Green could be the next edge rusher to thrive under Minter.”
Green isn’t the only player who could benefit from playing under Minter. PFF’s Bradley Locker said the defense as a whole is well-positioned to improve after finishing 18th in scoring and 24th in yards.
“The team’s new head coach has established his track record over the last two years as Chargers defensive coordinator, propelling the team to sit sixth in EPA per play and fourth in success rate in that span,” Locker wrote. “Minter’s best ability could be turning unheralded players into standouts, getting tremendous production out of names like Donte Jackson, Teair Tart, Poona Ford and Elijah Molden.
“The Ravens will need to invest more in their defensive line, especially with the futures of Nnamdi Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy uncertain, and the team’s secondary also faces questions. But with Minter’s arrival and the hire of Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator, Baltimore’s defense should ascend in 2026.”