Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Markus Golden (Missouri) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #58 by ARI

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Markus Golden - 2015 NFL Draft

Player Position: Outside Linebacker / Defensive End

College: University of Missouri

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 260 lbs

Strengths

• Pass Rush Ability: Golden showcased a strong ability to rush the passer, demonstrating quickness off the edge and a good first step that allowed him to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
• Motor: Known for his relentless effort, Golden consistently pursued plays and exhibited a high motor, often making tackles downfield.
• Versatility: He played multiple positions along the defensive line, showcasing his adaptability and ability to fit into various schemes.
• Hand Usage: Golden displayed effective hand fighting techniques to disengage from blockers, which aided him in both pass rush and run defense.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 6'2", he is slightly shorter than the ideal height for an edge rusher, which could limit his effectiveness against taller offensive tackles.
• Consistency: While he had standout games, there were instances where his performance dipped, raising concerns about his consistency against high-level competition.
• Coverage Skills: Golden's ability to drop into coverage was a question mark, as he was primarily utilized as a pass rusher in college.

Overall Assessment

Markus Golden was viewed as a high-motor player with the potential to develop into a productive pass rusher at the professional level. His relentless pursuit and ability to disrupt plays made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive front. However, concerns about his size and consistency raised questions about his long-term effectiveness in the NFL.

Projected Draft Round

Golden was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 4th round of the 2015 NFL Draft, depending on team needs and preferences.