MISSOURI TIGERS: Markus Golden Drafted By Cardinals

Former Missouri Tigers star Markus Golden was selected by the Arizona Cardinals, who traded up to number 58 overall pick with the Ravens in the 2015 NFL Draft.

In the NFL, the Cardinals expect the 6’2″ 260 pounds Markus Golden to play outside linebacker. KC Kingdom’s Michael Tavis wrote back in February that NFL teams should not overlook Golden. Apparently, the Cardinals were listening.

Markus Golden was a four-year starter for the Missouri Tigers, but was overshadowed by fellow defensive end Shane Ray. Golden brings the reputation of a guy with a great motor who makes plays with instinct and effort.

Markus Golden was productive in the most competitive conference in college football (SEC), racking up 10 sacks in 2014, and 16.5 sacks in his Missouri Tigers career. To go with the sacks, Golden added 77 solo tackles, 63 assists, 5 forced fumbles, and 1 interception which he returned for a 70-yard touchdown.

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Golden came to the Missouri Tigers after beginning his college career in 2011 at Hutchinson Community college where he notched 10 sacks. He joined the Missouri Tigers as a transfer in 2012, when he served as the primary backup to Michael Sam.

Markus Golden earned a starting position in 2013. He formed an impressive duo with fellow defensive end Shane Ray in 2014, when the two combined for 24.5 sacks as they terrorized the SEC.

However, many analysts saw Markus Golden as a 3rd or 4th round talent.

CBS Sports analysts Dane Brugar and Rob Rang wrote in their profile of Markus Golden:

"Shows the flexibility, athleticism and hand technique to beat blockers in space, using his quick eyes to read and adjust on the move. Plays with energy and a relentless style that makes it tough to slow his momentum, finishing with violence at the ball.His big plays often come with a counter back to the inside, where he can out-quick and over-power blockers due to good agility, balance and core strength. Uses his hands well to deflect’ blockers’ attempts to latch on, showing good power to shock opponents back onto their heels with his punch.One of Golden’s most impressive qualities is his awareness in the passing game. When unable to get pressure on the quarterback, Golden times his leaps well and shows good hand-eye coordination to deflect passes at the line of scrimmage."

Markus Golden joins an Arizona Cardinals defense that plays a base 3-4 alignment and allowed 18.7 points per game, which was 5th best in the NFL. It’s a bend-but-don’t-break unit that finished 24th in yards allowed.

The Cardinals biggest team need was pass rushers, which is why they went after Golden.

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