Unlike last year, the Baltimore Ravens’ biggest strength on defense in 2026 (outside Kyle Hamilton) might be their pass rush. They’ve brought significant upgrades on that front, and the group actually looks deep and dangerous.
It starts with Trey Hendrickson obviously, who is bringing 81 career sacks to Charm City and should have plenty more in him. Then there’s Zion Young, who will supply endless energy and a fierce competitive nature that very few can bring. The biggest pass rush impact this season, though, could come from the potential emergence of Mike Green.
When Green is firing on all cylinders like he was at Marshall, he’s very hard to stop. From his speed to his motor to his bend, the 22-year-old has a lot of the high-end traits you’d want in a pure pass rusher. His 3.5-sack rookie campaign was disappointing, but with the extra talent by his side, he could be in line to take the NFL by storm in year two.
Baltimore Ravens’ Mike Green is on breakout watch in 2026
Green’s 2025 season was certainly a bit disappointing for what he knows he’s capable of doing. His numbers showed a clear struggle, and the physicality of the NFL presented a problem for a player of his size. Still, the Ravens believe there’s something dominant that they can uncover with Green.
New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has mentioned that Green’s lackluster showing in year one could’ve looked far better on the stat sheet. He mentioned that Green was milliseconds away from putting together a double-digit sack effort, and an offseason working with Jesse Minter and Weaver should help the former second-round pick accomplish that.
And if that’s not enough, a much-improved defensive unit, most importantly a better secondary, should help Green actually notch those sacks that he just missed out on in 2025. He should more time and freedom to bring down opposing quarterbacks in the backfield.
It’s not just belief from the coaching staff either. The hype surrounding Green entering 2026 is real. NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks recently released his All-Breakout Team, and paired next to New York Giants’ rising phenom Abdul Carter off the edge was Mike Green.
“Jesse Minter’s return to Baltimore -- and Trey Hendrickson’s arrival in Charm City -- should help lead to a monstrous season for [Green],” Brooks wrote. “Moreover, he gets a chance to showcase his skills in an attack-style scheme that will force his opponents to deal with the ultra-feisty Hendrickson on one side, leading to plenty of isolated matchups for the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder.”
When you pair a young pass rusher who possesses a high ceiling with a dominant sack artist in Hendrickson, along with a defensive mastermind in Minter, there’s a high chance that results will follow. Even the addition of Zion Young could unlock Green by giving him more pass-rush-focused opportunities while potentially hiding him on run downs.
There’s still a long road to go before Green truly unveils himself as a respected edge rusher in this league. However, his potential is undeniable, and the Ravens have scattered the necessary pieces around him to help him find success.
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