Cowboys 2025 draft scouting report: OLB Mike Inexperienced

We proceed our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that would curiosity the Dallas Cowboys. At the moment we’re edge rusher Mike Inexperienced from Marshall.

Mike Inexperienced

EDGEMarshall Thundering HerdJunior3-star recruit 6’4”248 lbs

Picture by Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire through Getty Photographs

Historical past

Mike Inexperienced attended Lafayette Excessive College in Williamsburg, Virginia, the place he performed each linebacker and tight finish. He was a three-star recruit, showcasing his versatility in sports activities by additionally competing in wrestling, the place he secured second and third place in state titles throughout his sophomore and junior years.

He dedicated to the College of Virginia in 2021 however had a restricted position, enjoying in solely six video games as a real freshman and registered solely 4 tackles and one sack. He didn’t play in 2022 and on the finish of the 12 months he entered the switch portal.

Inexperienced joined Marshall in 2023 and his affect was instant; as a redshirt freshman, he recorded 43 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. Then in 2024, he had an explosive season, main the FBS in sacks with 17, setting a Solar Belt Convention report, and tying the Marshall single-season report. His efficiency in 2024 made him a notable prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, with projections putting him as a possible first-round decide. He declared for the draft in December 2024, leaving with two years of eligibility remaining.

2024 Statistics

668 Defensive Snaps84 Complete Tackles23 Tackles For Loss56 Complete Pressures17 Sacks2 Go Breakups3 Compelled Fumbles1 Fumble Restoration 2 Penalties

NFL Mix/Professional Day

TBC

Awards

All-America (2024)G5 Defensive Participant of the 12 months (2024)Solar Belt Convention Participant of the 12 months (2024)First-Crew All-Solar Belt (2024)

Scorecard

General- 88.4Speed- 82Acceleration- 94Agility- 84Strength- 94Pass Rush- 95Run Protection- 81Tackling- 89Discipline- 98

THE GOOD

Inexperienced’s main trait is his distinctive first step and acceleration off the road of scrimmage that’s timed to perfection.
He has a various set of strikes together with arm-over, cross-chop, stick, spin, and hump, permitting him to successfully counter various kinds of offensive tackles.
He reveals exceptional bend to curve round offensive linemen, using his flexibility to navigate across the edge.
Excessive effort degree, significantly famous in his relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and ball carriers, which regularly results in performs made downfield or protection sacks.
Primarily he’s suited to play as an out of doors linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, however has proven some functionality in enjoying on an excellent entrance.
Inexperienced’s draft inventory is bolstered by his athletic profile and manufacturing, however groups might want to contemplate his bodily limitations and the extent of competitors he confronted in school when figuring out his draft worth.

THE BAD

His dimension and body would possibly wrestle in opposition to NFL offensive tackles who’re considerably heavier and longer.
His lack of bulk is an apparent drawback when in run protection and when coping with double groups.
Whereas he could make performs close to the road of scrimmage, his effectiveness in opposition to the run may be inconsistent.
Restricted expertise in opposition to top-tier competitors, having spent most of his time within the Group of 5.
His capability to cowl on passing performs requires improvement.
His struggles with pad top makes him much less efficient as a conventional defensive finish together with his hand within the grime.

THE FIT

Mike Inexperienced is an athletic marvel with a sophisticated pass-rush repertoire, making him a tantalizing prospect for groups needing an edge rusher who can disrupt the passing recreation. His efficiency on the Senior Bowl was significantly noteworthy, reinforcing his standing as a possible first-round decide. His draft inventory is bolstered by his athletic profile and manufacturing, however groups might want to contemplate his bodily limitations and the extent of competitors he confronted in school when figuring out his draft worth.

His dimension and the necessity for added power to deal with NFL-caliber tackles current areas for development. His projection within the NFL would possibly initially see him used as a pass-rush specialist in sub-packages, with the potential to develop right into a three-down defender if he can bulk up with out dropping his agility.

Inexperienced would immediately add a lot wanted depth and competitors to the EDGE place for the Dallas Cowboys. He might problem for snaps with gamers like Marshawn Kneeland, Sam Williams, and even complement Micah Parsons’ position when Parsons strikes inside. His motor and athleticism might make him a candidate for particular groups, contributing in roles like kick protection or blocking, which is efficacious for a rookie.

Given his dimension considerations, the Cowboys would possibly see him as a venture so as to add weight and power, aiming to show him right into a extra full three-down defender. This could contain teaching to boost his run protection. With veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence coming to the tip of his time in Dallas, Inexperienced may very well be considered as a part of the following era of Cowboys’ move rushers, studying from present stars and finally taking over a extra vital position. His match would largely depend upon the Cowboys’ draft technique, whether or not they purpose for instant contributors or are keen to draft for potential, betting on their newly fashioned teaching workers to mould him right into a extra well-rounded participant. If chosen, he might thrive in a aggressive atmosphere that values versatility and athleticism.

COMPARISON

Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears

BTB GRADE

thirteenth

CONSENSUS RANKING

twenty first(Consensus rating primarily based on the typical rating from 90 main scoring providers)