In last week’s Ravens Reacts survey, 61% of Baltimore Beatdown readers predicted that outside linebacker Mike Green would break out this season.
Despite a pre-draft billing as an explosive pass rusher, the second-round pick disappointed as a rookie. Injuries to Kyle Van Noy and Tavius Robinson – as well as the Odafe Oweh trade – pressed Green into a bigger role than expected. He led the outside linebacker room in snaps, but only produced 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. The 22-year-old struggled
to set a hard edge against the run or consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Green stands to benefit from Baltimore’s new defensive coaching staff. One of the drawbacks of Zach Orr’s scheme was a prescribed rush plan that handed edge rushers specific responsibilities rather than letting them pin their ears back. Jesse Minter’s scheme allows them to play freer, as evidenced by Odafe Oweh’s production after being traded to the Chargers last season. He notched 7.5 sacks in 12 games in Los Angelez after zero to start the season in Baltimore. Minter could similarly unlock Green, both by allowing him to trust his athleticism and instincts as a straight-up rusher and using him as a looper on blitzes.
The addition of Trey Hendrickson should also create more opportunities for Green. With opposing teams more focused on his more proven teammate, he should draw more 1-on-1 matchups without tight end help, which will allow him to get upfield and turn the corner against slower tackles.
The Ravens may still prioritize the edge rusher position in April’s draft, but a second-year breakout from Green could have a bigger impact. Baltimore would finally have the kind of dangerous edge rushing duo they have lacked for a decade, turning arguably the most deficient area of their defense into a game-changing strength.
