Cincinnati Bengals’ Pass Rush Gets a Massive Boost in Latest Mock Draft: Mike Green Could Be the Key to Unlocking the Defense’s Potential

The Cincinnati Bengals find themselves at a critical crossroads heading into the 2025 NFL season. After a turbulent year that saw flashes of brilliance from the defense but not nearly enough consistency, one thing has become crystal clear: this team desperately needs more firepower when it comes to pressuring opposing quarterbacks.

Whether or not the Bengals retain star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, there’s no question that Cincinnati must fortify its pass rush. The situation becomes even more urgent if Hendrickson is traded — a move that has been rumored in some circles due to financial flexibility concerns or philosophical changes under new defensive coordinator Al Golden. But even if Hendrickson stays, the Bengals simply lack the depth and rotational power on the edge to truly be feared by offensive lines across the NFL.

So, when NFL Network draft guru Daniel Jeremiah released his latest 2025 mock draft, Bengals fans had reason to smile. With the 17th overall pick, Jeremiah sends Marshall defensive end Mike Green to the Queen City — a selection that could immediately reshape Cincinnati’s defensive identity.

A Much-Needed Reinforcement for the Bengals’ Defensive Front

The Bengals’ current pass rush situation is precarious. Trey Hendrickson has been a disruptive force since arriving in 2021, tallying 17.5 sacks in his first season and remaining a steady presence since. But behind him, the cupboard is somewhat bare. The team recently re-signed Joseph Ossai, a player with flashes of promise but also a troubling injury history. There’s Cam Sample and Myles Murphy, the latter of whom was a first-round pick in 2023 but hasn’t yet broken out.

None of these players have consistently proven they can take over games or demand double teams, and with how explosive offenses in the AFC have become — from Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City to Lamar Jackson in Baltimore and Josh Allen in Buffalo — that’s a serious problem.

Enter Mike Green.

The 6-foot-4, 260-pound edge rusher out of Marshall isn’t just a body to throw into the mix. He’s a game-changer. Green led the nation with 17 sacks in 2024, showcasing a relentless motor, a quick first step, and the kind of explosion off the edge that keeps offensive coordinators up at night. He’s long, physical, and plays with the kind of aggression that makes him a fit in any scheme — but especially in a defense like Cincinnati’s that needs high-motor players who can win one-on-one battles.

What Makes Mike Green So Special?

Green didn’t participate in the full range of drills at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, but the numbers we do have are impressive. He logged 28 reps on the bench press, showing upper-body strength that will help him in bull rush situations and setting the edge in the run game. More importantly, he reportedly clocked a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day — an elite time for an edge defender. That’s the kind of speed that translates into instant pressure off the edge, especially when he times the snap well.

But speed alone doesn’t make a dominant pass rusher. Green has refined his technique, demonstrating a strong inside move, a developing spin move, and the hand usage of a veteran. His film shows a player who never takes a play off, consistently chasing down quarterbacks and running backs from the backside. His effort is contagious, and his leadership at Marshall helped anchor a defense that overachieved because of his presence.

In short, Green is more than just an athlete — he’s a polished football player who could contribute from Day 1.

A Perfect Fit for Al Golden’s New-Look Defense

The Bengals made a significant shift this offseason when they named Al Golden their new defensive coordinator. Golden, formerly of Notre Dame and with years of coaching experience at both the college and NFL levels, brings a blend of aggression and discipline to the table. His schemes are predicated on pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers — something the Bengals struggled with in 2024.

Mike Green would be a tailor-made fit for Golden’s system. Golden is expected to use more stunts and blitz packages than Lou Anarumo did, and that kind of controlled chaos opens the door for players like Green to shine. His athleticism allows him to loop inside on twists or drop into coverage on zone blitzes, giving the Bengals more flexibility with their fronts.

Moreover, if Hendrickson stays, the pairing of Green and Hendrickson could be one of the most feared duos in the AFC. Green’s explosiveness off the left edge and Hendrickson’s power and technique on the right would create a nightmare for opposing tackles and quarterbacks alike. And if Hendrickson is traded? Green could become the new face of the Bengals’ pass rush.

The Bigger Picture: Building for the Future

Drafting Mike Green doesn’t just address a short-term need — it sets the Bengals up for long-term success. With Joe Burrow under center and a talented group of skill players on offense, Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window remains open. But to make the leap from contender to champion, the Bengals need a defense that can hold up in the postseason, particularly in January shootouts where one strip-sack or hurried throw can make all the difference.

The Bengals have historically leaned on homegrown talent, drafting and developing stars rather than going all-in on free agency. Selecting Green at 17 continues that tradition and gives them a cost-controlled pass rusher with elite upside. It’s the kind of move that championship teams make — shoring up a weakness with a player who brings both production and potential.

And let’s not overlook the fan factor. Bengals fans love hard-nosed, blue-collar players who bring it every snap. Green fits that mold perfectly. He’s not flashy off the field, but on the gridiron, he’s all business — and that’s exactly the kind of edge this team needs.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Pick at the Perfect Time

Whether Trey Hendrickson stays or goes, the Bengals need help rushing the passer. In a conference loaded with elite quarterbacks and fast-paced offenses, pressure is the great equalizer. Mike Green gives Cincinnati a weapon they can unleash from Week 1 and a player who could become a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come.

Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft might just be a projection, but if the Bengals follow through and make Mike Green the 17th overall pick, it could go down as one of the smartest moves of the 2025 NFL Draft. This is more than just filling a roster spot — it’s about identity, impact, and building a defense capable of bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Cincinnati.

Stay tuned, Who Dey Nation. Big things might be coming — and Mike Green could be the one to light the fuse.