After beefing up their offensive line on day one, the Cardinals addressed some more immediate needs on day two of the NFL Draft starting with Missouri edge prospect Markus Golden. After playing in all 26 games in 2012 and 2013, Golden got the start in all 13 games in 2014, finishing as a 2nd team All-SEC player.
Here is the lowdown on Golden:
Markus Golden, OLB Missouri, 6-2 260lbs
Strengths
- Physical, nasty and relentless from the edge, Golden has motor that turns on at the first whistle and doesn't stop.
- Plays against the run at an elite level, with the ability to set the edge and hold it in the run game.
- Strong at the point of attack with the ability to get off his blocker and pursue and make plays down the line.
- Power pass rusher, with a strong bull rush and the ability to get into his blockers chest with heavy hands.
- Always in pursuit in rush situations and a tireless worker getting after the quarterback.
- Imposing presence, good tackler, team leader on the defense.
Weaknesses
- Straight line athlete who needs to become more fluid moving laterally.
- Has not shown an array of pass rush moves, more of a straight power rusher.
- Not a guy who puts pressure on the edge consistently.
- Doesn't have an elite get off or overly explosive first step.
Final Thought
- Try hard pass rusher who can move around the defensive front on passing downs with the size, motor and game the Cardinals love.
- Should be able to come in and compete day one for playing time as a run stopping OLB.
- Needs to develop some type of pass rushing counter move to be a consistent threat off the edge.