Why the Slide Series
This series was created a number of years ago in response to questions about why certain well-known prospects went unselected in NFL drafts. For these articles, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player and/or the reasons other teams passed on that prospect. The positive response to “Why Undrafted” and questions from readers about why prospects were drafted lower than the media’s expectations led us to create the parallel series “Why the Slide?”
Both series are back this year. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.
The Expectations
During the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft, there were many analysts projecting Marshall edge rusher Mike Green to be a high first-round pick. Green was coming off a 17-sack season and generated some highlight reel rushes in one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl. Thus, many were surprised when Green slid to very late in the second round.
The ‘Why’
In speaking to team sources, the primary reason Green slid was character related. Some teams were not going to take him under any circumstances because of the character concerns. However, character was not the only issue. Some teams saw bust potential with Green as a player. Some evaluators felt Green was a one-trick pony speed rusher, and at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds, NFL offensive tackles are going to be able to push him around. He is undersized for a pro edge rusher and could have problems holding up as a run defender. Some sources said that Green won’t be able to win with power against NFL tackles, and when they are ready for his speed rush, he could struggle to be effective.
The Baltimore Ravens ended Green’s slide late in the second round, and that was an excellent landing spot. The Ravens have been needing some young edge rushers to emerge across from Odafe Oweh, and Green is a great scheme fit in the Ravens’ 3-4 system. With five technique ends there to help occupy the tackle, that could cut down on Green having to go one-on-one with players that have 50-80 pounds on him. Green can learn from veteran Kyle Van Noy and rotate into the game as a designated pass rusher. While Green could be disappointed with his slide in the draft, he landed a great opportunity to carve out a good pro career in Baltimore.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
NFL Power Rankings - May 16
Fantasy Football Rankings - May 10
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
