Where will they go?
That’s the question on everyone’s minds concerning former Missouri Tigers players as we arrive at the waning hours before the 2015 NFL Draft.
Well let’s seek to answer some of those questions and clear up some of the murky feelings many have about these guys. Mizzou will get some names in this year’s NFL Draft. Here are the different scenarios for the main guys who’s name will be in the hat when all 32 NFL teams go on the clock tonight.
Shane Ray
Scenario 1: Ray Shines Early
In this scenario, Shane Ray is taken in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Believe it or not, this is still a possibility. Teams like the New York Jets (picking 6th) are in desperate need of pass rushing help. From the Jets perspective, they’re looking for a hybrid outside linebacker that can torment quarterbacks. And they apparently liked what they got out of Ray in meetings with him. Others have him going to Atlanta at No. 8. It will be interesting to see which one of these happens.
Scenario 2: Ray drops, but stays in first round
Many are wondering if taking a flyer on Ray after his recent issues (a drug citation and an injury), would be a huge risk. Even teams that would be delighted to get such a talented pass rusher fall into their lap (Dallas Cowboys, perhaps?) may pass on him. But others are convinced– including our own Ben Brown– that there’s no way he falls past the Arizona Cardinals at 24.
Scenario 3: Bad Timing For Miscues, Ray Falls to 2nd Round
A foot injury is never a good thing for a pass rusher who needs to dig in to bust through protection. But even worse is that the guy’s last impression before the draft– the very last thing he gets his name out there for– is a marijuana citation. That is no bueno for many of these teams. Will it be too bad for 32 picks-worth of teams? Probably not. But possible, yes.
Mitch Morse
Scenario 1: A Late Bloomer
Most had Morse falling out of the draft just a few months ago. But he has impressed scouts since. Depending on who you ask, he could be a 6th or 7th rounder. Many teams, including the nearby St. Louis Rams could take him here.
Scenario 2: But wait, there’s Morse! …In the middle rounds
Some say that his climb during the NFL Draft tryout season has been so drastic that Mitch Morse will get taken right in the middle of the draft. As a guy that could play guard or tackle in the NFL, don’t be surprised if he’s taken and used everywhere on the offensive line wherever he goes.
Markus Golden:
Scenario 1: A solid mid-to-late round pass rusher
Golden will for sure be a mid-to-late pick in this draft that teams will be happy to have on their roster. Why, because he has proven talent, athleticism and football smarts. They like his tenacity and dedication to out perform bigger offensive lineman. To get such great qualities from a late pick is steal in this league. There are just too many talented pass rushers in this year’s NFL Draft for him to go sooner.
Scenario 2: The ‘Golden’ Ticket In the 3rd Round
It would be a shock to see him go this high. But some whispers have him here. He’s one of those guys who we can see going pretty much anywhere (earlier or later) after the middle of third round has come and gone.
The Others:
Bud Sasser
I didn’t really foresee Sasser coming out in the draft at all, but lately I’ve had different feelings. If anything he’s a big guy that can be coached and developed, as we saw here with the Missouri Tigers. Consider him as a late round wide receiver draft pick.
Marcus Murphy
Many see value in Murphy for his shear athleticism. At running back, he’d be an incredible late-to-mid round steal in a league that often overlooks or dismisses all together the Swiss army knife back. A lot of times, the lack of super stat-filled breakout performances that NFL scouts look for in skill positions makes people pass on talented players. Just because Murphy didn’t break rushing records last year at Mizzou doesn’t mean he won’t be an effective role player, third down back or goal line back. That being said, my guess is the place you see him go is to a team that really needs a kick return specialist, which honestly could be anyone.
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