The Detroit Lions are likely to target an edge rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft, and a standout from a smaller school has emerged as a potential fit.

Despite the strong season and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s ability to manage numerous injuries, it’s clear the Lions will likely seek an edge rusher next April. Even with Za’Darius Smith potentially returning, a younger addition would be ideal, especially considering last offseason’s unsuccessful attempt to pair a second rusher with Aidan Hutchinson.

The Lions are expected to pick late in the first round, possibly as low as No. 32, with most current mock drafts projecting this outcome, including the latest from Daniel Harms of The Draft Network.

Harms has matched the Lions with an edge rusher, but one who’s somewhat under the radar: Mike Green from Marshall University.

“With Aidan Hutchinson needing a partner in crime after an injury, Mike Green could be a dynamic addition. He’s an explosive, bendy athlete with a variety of pass-rush moves. He’d be a great complement to Hutchinson.”

Lions 2025 NFL Draft: Who is Mike Green?

Green started his college career at Virginia but had a standout season at Marshall in 2023, recording 4.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss. He was ranked as a top-12 edge defender by Pro Football Focus.

This year, Green has taken his game to the next level. With 17 sacks and 23 tackles for loss through 13 games, he leads the FBS in sacks and ranks second in edge defender grades by PFF. He also has the sixth-best run defense grade and the 12th-best pass rush grade.

Over the past two seasons, Green has registered 93 quarterback pressures and 59 hurries (per PFF). Despite concerns over competition level, he impressed with three sacks and nine pressures against Virginia Tech and Ohio State this season. If Green declares for the 2025 draft, he’s been widely regarded as a Day 2 prospect, though he’s recently moved into some first-round projections.

A month ago, Ryan Fowler from The Draft Network provided an insightful breakdown of Green.

At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, Green is lighter than the typical Lions edge rusher. However, he’s proven to be an effective pass rusher and run defender. Some fans may compare him to James Houston, but Green’s a more complete edge defender and shouldn’t be limited to that comparison.