With the No. 58 overall pick in the 2015 draft, the Arizona Cardinals have selected defensive end Markus Golden of Missouri. The former Tiger switched from linebacker to defensive lineman in 2013, emerging as a top pass-rushing prospect during his redshirt senior campaign last season.
NFL Draft picks 2015: Markus Golden taken by Cardinals
Markus Golden was taken by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the NFL Draft.
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Playing alongside consensus All-American Shane Ray, Golden racked up 10 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in 2014 to earn second-team All-SEC honors as a senior. He is also considered a high-character player with a very good work ethic and consistent motor on the field. Golden loves to compete and plays with a toughness that complements his strong pass rushing skills.
Although he measured well at the combine (6’2, 260 pounds), Golden has shorter arms (31 inches) than the ideal defensive end prospect. Some scouts project him as a tweener in the NFL because of his compact frame. He upped his draft stock with a terrific pro day workout, improving his 40 time from 4.90 to 4.67, and also performed well in both linebacker and defensive line drills.
Scouts note his weakness as a “plodding, straight-line” player who lacks the explosiveness of an above-average NFL pass rusher. If he doesn’t develop any moves beyond a straight bull rush, his ceiling might be that of a special teams player and occasional contributor on the defensive line.
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