NFL Combine Day 2 recap: Mike Green addresses off-the-field concerns

Hear from the defensive linemen and linebackers

INDIANAPOLIS — Day 2 of the NFL Combine has been relatively quiet as the specialists were the only players to hit the field for a workout. But the edge defenders, defensive tackles and linebackers were up at the podium speaking with the media. Seeing as the Las Vegas Raiders have needs at all three positions, let’s listen to what they had to say at the combine.

Marshall edge rusher Mike Green is one of the biggest risers in the 2025 NFL Draft class after leading the country with 17 sacks and putting together an impressive performance at the Senior Bowl. However, Green’s stock has halted recently as off-the-field concerns have risen, specifically his being accused of sexual assault in the past.

Green said that he was accused of sexual assault and suspended as a result during his time at the Univerity of Virginia, which led to his transfer to Marshall. The pass-rusher said he faced a sexual assault allegation in high school as well but was cleared after an investigation.

In both instances, Green made it clear he was never charged criminally as a result of the accusations and would have no problem answering any questions teams have about the situations. We’ll see if that takes him off the Raiders’ board, but the team did meet with him in Indianapolis and Green recapped his visit below.

On a lighter note, Ole Miss edge-rusher Princely Umanmielen should be on Las Vegas’ radar with the 37th overall pick, especially if Malcolm Koonce ends up heading elsewhere in free agency. Umanielen shared the origin behind his name (all of his siblings’ names have “Prince” in the prefix), his mindset as a pass-rusher, the development of his spin move and what he could bring to a defense.

For context on the spin move, it’s nasty!

If the Raiders go with the best player available approach with the sixth pick of the draft, one popular name floating around the Silver and Black is Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Adding Graham to the mix with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins would certainly bolster the team’s defensive line, and the Michigan product mentioned he met with Pete Carroll in Indy, while also diving into his game as a pass-rusher.

What the interior of Las Vegas’ defensive line could use immediately is a run-stuffing nose tackle who can replace what John Jenkins brought over the last two years. So, familiarize yourself with Maryland’s Jordan Phillips, who is one of the best players at taking on double teams in this year’s draft class.

A big reason for that is Phillips is a former high school weight lifter who made Bruce Feldman’s Freaks List this summer by squatting 665 pounds, power cleaning 365 pounds and overhead pressing 365 for two reps. That shows up on the former Terripan’s tape and he has a background as a former wrestler which translates to the gridiron.

JJ Pegues of Ole Miss played up and down the Rebels’ defensive line last season and stood out as a run defender. He may not be a potential nose tackle fit, but Pegues also stands out against double teams and shined some light on that at the podium. Additionally, Pegues has a background as a tight end and was used on offense in college. He mentioned he’ll also run through some drills as a fullback during this week’s workouts.

At linebacker, Jeffrey Bassa from Oregon is an intriguing Day 2 option for the Raiders. He has the potential to be a complete player at the next level, showing some chops against the run and impressive coverage skills. The latter is where the former defensive back shines as he said he can do it all in that department and the tape backs that up.

Another backer to consider is UCLA’s Carson Schwesinger. From a former walk-on to a 2024 All-American, Schwesinger has had an interesting climb up draft boards over the last several months. One of the reasons for that is he has impressive instincts despite not getting much playing time until this season, which he attributes to his preparation even when he wasn’t seeing the field.

A couple of other notable linebackers, Ole Miss’ Chris Paul and South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight, also had some interesting comments with the media. Knight has a particularly interesting story as a former quarterback.

Silver and Black Pride will be back on the scene tomorrow as the defensive backs will be at the podiums while the defensive linemen and linebackers hit the field for their workouts.