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Missouri Tigers… Next Up In The Draft: Markus Golden

By Derek Franks

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The Missouri Tigers got some big time recognition in prime time Thursday night, as their former star SEC Player of the Year was taken 23rd overall in the 2015 NFL Draft in a wildcard play by the Denver Broncos.

So with that, what’s next for former Mizzou players in this year’s NFL Draft? Markus Golden.

Golden, a misfit on the defensive line for the Tigers who bull rushed quarterbacks and racked up tackles is now on call waiting for an NFL team to call his name.

He joined Ray as top 5 leader in the SEC in both tackles and sacks during his final season at Mizzou, being an instrumental part in the team collecting 11 wins and its second consecutive East division title.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) rushes against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

So where can we expect him to be taken in the 2015 NFL Draft? It’s difficult to predict. Many have him being a solid middle round pick for a team that needs a pass rushing linebacker/defensive end hybrid (which there are many out there that could use one). The biggest question is, where does he rank amongst players that are comparable to him? The answer there seems to vary depending on who you ask.

Some experts have him going in the 4th or 5th round to a team like Arizona or Atlanta, a team that had pass rusher as their highest priority, that made a move in the first round to fit that need, and now want to clean up with more pass rushing help after they’ve addressed some other needs.

Others think Golden just doesn’t have the stuff for the NFL. Some have put into question whether or not his effort and tenacity is “translatable” to being a productive pass rusher in the pros. This reporter will go on record as saying that people will see value in Golden before the 6th round. He doesn’t have the physique or the twisty, turny moves some other pass rushing behemoth’s (like his counterpart Shane Ray). But I’m going to say that he has impressed enough to go mid-round in the 2015 NFL Draft.

To see a complete breakdown of Markus Golden and his strengths and weaknesses, check out our full preview on him here.

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