Missouri Tigers: A Look At Players Taken In 2015 NFL Draft

5 Former Missouri Tigers were taken in the 2015 NFL Draft over the weekend. It’s worth taking a look at where these guys’ careers might wind up. While players like Shane Ray are projected by many to pan out well for the team that took him, we’re wondering: are there any other hidden gems in this pool?

Mizzou had an impressive show in the draft. Their 5 players taken were taken by teams that needed them, and you can expect them to compete for jobs on the main squads. Missouri was one of only two SEC teams to have three players selected in the first two rounds, the other being Alabama. That’s pretty good company.

Here’s a brief overview of the players, the teams’ that chose them, and how the roles could have an impact in the short-term.

Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Shane Ray

23^rd overall to the Denver Broncos
Former Missouri Tigers defensive end
Skill: athletic pass rusher
Reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year

If the hype that surround Ray before his late pre-draft issues was any indication, he’s got potential to have a promising career in this league. He’s as ferocious as he is graceful on the line and made quarterbacks scared during his final season at Mizzou. Whether or not that translates to the NFL is a question mark. Part of that has to do with whether or not he can stay out of trouble. If he can, I think there’s a ton of potential here for Ray to perform well for years.

Immediate team impact: Will play more games than not in the 2015 season—likely off the bench.

Mitch Morse

Mitch Morse looks to be drafted in the 2015 NFL draft. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

49^th overall to the Kansas City Chiefs
Former Missouri Tigers Offensive Lineman
Skill: Bulky blocker, can block for run and pass
Mizzou Offensive co-captain for 2014 season

Morse was drafted much higher than many predicted. But part of that had to do with seriously impressive combine numbers. His results had him finish in the top 10 of every offensive lineman in the draft. That’s likely how he earned a top-50 pick. Having watch Morse up close over the years, it was apparent to me that there was potential pro-level talent there. So we’ll let his productivity and ability to work his way up the roster in K.C. speak for itself. For now, good catches for both team and player here.

Immediate Team impact: will make team and will work his way up to viable back up status by 2016-17

Markus Golden

Aug 30, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) during the first half against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

58th overall to the Arizona Cardinals
Former Missouri Tigers Defensive End
Skill: Bullrushing quarterback hunter
Top 5 in the SEC in tackles and tackles for a loss

The jury’s still out on if Markus Golden will make a team but early indications are that he will. If he puts the kind of effort that he has into his game in college game he could work his way up to performing far beyond his draft spot.

Immediate Team impact: 50/50 will make a team, from there skies the limit

Bud Sasser

Nov 28, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Bud Sasser (21) celebrates after a catch during the first half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Faurot Field. Missouri won 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

201st overall to the St. Louis Rams
Former Missouri Tigers Wide Receiver
Skill: leaping pass catcher
2014 All-SEC player

Sasser was drafted higher than expected—at least for me. That being the case, it’s a mystery what kind of player he can be at the NFL level. He could take over an offense as a pass catcher in college. Not many NFL scouts seemed that impressed by his combine and pro days. But his college production says otherwise. Perhaps he’s a not-so-rare example of a solid college player with poor scouting reports that turns into pro offensive performer.

Immediate Team Impact: Remains to be seen

Marcus Murphy

Nov 28, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers running back Marcus Murphy (6) runs the ball during the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Faurot Field. Missouri won 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

230th overall to the New Orleans Saints
Former Missouri Tigers tail back
Skill: shifty, short yardage back and kick returner
Reigning SEC special teams player of the year

This is a steal for New Orleans. Ever since losing Darren Sproles, the Saints have been looking for a replacement that can both produce on 3^rd down and goal line situations and be a powerhouse kick returner. He didn’t get SEC special teams player of the year for nothing. My guess is that Marcus Murphy earns a spot on the team and has at least somewhat of a role as a rookie.

Immediate team impact: will make the team his rookie season and will have a special teams role in 2015.

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