Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter believes that Mike Green can take a big step in 2026 alongside Trey Hendrickson.
The Baltimore Ravens need to elevate in the pass rush department, and they already made a big move to do so by bringing in Trey Hendrickson. While Hendrickson is a huge boost, more is needed.
Hendrickson spoke out about being able to mold linebacker Mike Green, who has now also received praise from head coach Jesse Minter. Minter explained that he expects the young defender to take a big leap in 2026, especially in learning from Hendrickson.
Green appeared in 17 games and started two in 2025, but he made the most of those opportunities by bringing in 3.5 sacks, 41 total tackles, and 14 quarterback hits. Considering it was his rookie year, that is some decent production.
The Ravens' defense is expected to be vastly better in 2026, as the unit struggled mightily in 2025.
With Minter and Anthony Weaver now running that side of the ball, there is a good chance their strong defensive minds can turn the Ravens defense back into what the organization has been known for, for decades.
When at the NFL owners' meetings, Minter spoke about Green, especially when he was scouting him.
"I got a lot of confidence in Mike Green. U loved him coming out. You know, he was highly high on our board there, so I was joking with him. We had brought him in I think, for a 30 visit last year, and you know, so it's meant to be now that we're together. Um, and so very excited and I think I think now he'll have a guy in the room and Trey that he can really learn from that he can learn some of the nuances of rushing the passer," Minter said.
Being able to learn from one of the best pass rushers in the game would be good for anyone, but especially for a young mind in Green. He is entering his second season in the NFL, while Hendrickson can impart nearly 10 years of experience to him.
Minter also indicated that the year two jump for Green could be something very special.
"I feel like he's going to have a lot of opportunities to impact the game. And we're excited about him. And just like anybody, I think your first year to your second year is often a big jump and just understanding, you know, the level that it takes, the preparation that it takes, and so excited about Mike," Minter said.
This is the second time that Green has been brought up in the offseason. First, it was by Hendrickson, and now by Minter. Clearly, there is a lot of raw talent that players and coaches are noticing.
If Green can truly evolve, it will give the Ravens a huge pass rush component next to Hendrickson that is sorely needed. The jury is still out regarding Nnamdi Madubuike's return, so the other young defenders will need to step up, and that includes Green.