Rasheem Green has the profile and skill set of a Seahawks’ defensive lineman

At just 20 years old, Rasheem Green wasn’t expected to declare for the NFL after his junior season. But coming off his best season, a 10-sack, 12.5-tackle for loss campaign, Green became the latest in a line of special talents to declare before their 21st birthday. Leaving the Trojans prior to his senior season may have been the correct decision, though. At 6-4 and 275 pounds, Green was used an undersized defensive tackle often and another season inside may not have helped.

After a great performance at the Scouting Combine, Green is firmly in the top-50 prospect mix. With the ability to play inside and out, as well as reaching the majority of the Seattle Seahawks’ thresholds for an EDGE, Green is a tantalizing prospect for a Seahawks team needing difference makers on the defensive line.

Burst

Both lining up inside and at defensive end, Green’s get off on the snap is average. His 10-yard split at the combine in Indianapolis was the best among the defensive tackles he worked out with, but average-to-below-average among the EDGE players, where he should’ve been.

Where Green’s quickness and athletic ability shines is his ability to move laterally. Lining up on the edge, Green has the lateral agility to work all the way across the line of scrimmage. On the inside in sub packages, he will terrorize heavy-footed guards. Running stunts from the edge, he has the athletic ability to get to the quarterback.

Strength

Green’s functional strength was a tough evaluation during his time at USC because of where he lined up. Against interior offensive lineman against the run, he was completely overwhelmed at the point of attack and pushed off the ball consistently. Lining Green up on the edge on early downs before sliding him inside should see him become a reliable three-down defender.

As a pass rusher inside, Green won’t push the pocket, but will win with agility and short-area quickness. Lining up next to a player like Nazair Jones or Clinton McDonald, who do a good job collapsing inside, is where you’ll get the best from him.

Hands

Green has outstanding, relentless hand usage with good technique. He can disengage consistently inside and is able to use power rushes against tackles on the outside. Green has an excellent combination of a rip move and a swim move, the latter of which consistently leaves guards lunging at air.

Flexibility/Bend

Again, it was hard to get a great sense of Green’s ability to bend or dip because he was aligned inside so often. He looks more fluid trying to bend around the corner against tackles, and the space he is afforded outside is a big reason for it. Green will always win with his lateral agility first, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him develop greater flexibility playing more often on the outside.

Overall, Rasheem Green is an exceptionally young prospect with terrific traits and athletic ability. His skill set likely wasn’t maximized during his time with the Trojans, but has still positioned himself to be a day two selection. With the ability to play outside-in and contribute on all three downs, Green would be a great fit for a Seattle team needing help on the defensive line.