For Mike Green, patience in the draft paid off. Selected by the Ravens with the 59th overall pick, Green is embracing his new team as an unexpected gift.
Despite leading FBS players with an astonishing 17 sacks last year at Marshall, many anticipated Green would be a first-round selection. The draft proved unpredictable, with Green slipping to the Ravens in the second round. Reflecting on his journey during the team's rookie minicamp, Green expressed his gratitude for how things turned out.
“That was a goal I set for myself,” Green said, addressing his draft slide. “I didn’t really get to get that goal, but coming to the Ravens was a blessing in disguise. I live by that and I mean that. I honestly can say I don’t think there’s a better program or franchise I can be a part of than the Ravens.”
The drop to later in the draft might have been influenced by past off-field issues, including a couple of sexual assault allegations from his high school and college days. Green has consistently denied the charges, stating he's moved beyond the allegations to focus on his future in the NFL.
“Every team asked me and I’ve been completely open about everything,” Green shared. “It’s something I had to go through, I got through it, and from this point forward I’m just focusing on moving on with my career.”
Being picked in the late second round has left Green with a desire to prove himself further. He carries this motivation, ready to channel it into his professional career. Should he replicate his college performances in the pros, the Ravens will have made a remarkably savvy pick.
