Arizona Cardinals: Revisiting the 2015 draft class

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Dec 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals linebacker Markus Golden (44) against the Green Bay Packers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Markus Golden, Defensive end

With their second round pick, the Cardinals selected defensive end Markus Golden to help improve the team’s pass rush. Many fans were upset at the fact that the Cardinals didn’t select Nebraska linebacker, Randy Gregory. In hindsight this was the correct decision as Gregory was recently suspended for four games because of failed drug tests.

Golden, who didn’t crack the rotation until a month into the year, finished the season with 31 combined tackles and 4 sacks. Another positive attribute of Golden is his versatility. Throughout the season, Golden has been able to switch between playing defensive end to playing linebacker. While he didn’t make any flashy plays, Golden was still a consistent presence on an otherwise sub par defensive line. A year under his belt, and the expectation that he will be a starter, Golden should take the next step to becoming an anchor on the defensive line.

Grade: B+

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