2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: EDGE Markus Golden

The Falcons depth at pass-rusher needs to be bolstered and the best way to do that should be to bring Markus Golden to Atlanta with a mid-round pick. The former Missouri defender has shown an ability to harass quarterbacks while still stifling the run effectively.

Atlanta could have one of the best pass-rushing rotations with the likes of Golden, a top-10 pick, Kroy Biermann, Adrian Clayborn and Brooks Reed coming off the edge. Golden could eventually turn into a good starting defensive end who plays early downs and sets the edge on the weak side.

Markus Golden

Edge Defender

University of Missouri

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'2" Weight: 260 pounds

Arm Length: 31-1/8" Hand Measurement: 10-1/2"

40-yard dash: 4.74 sec. 10-yard split: 1.64 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.57 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.38 sec. Bench Reps: 17 reps

Vertical Jump: 28-5" Broad Jump: 9'2"

Stats

2014: 13 Games Played, 78 Tackles, 20.0 Tackles for Loss, 10.0 Sacks, 12 QB Hurries, 3 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2013: 14 Games Played, 55 Tackles, 13.0 Tackles for Loss, 6.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2012: 12 Games Played, 10 Tackles, 1 Fumble Forced

2011: Played at Hutchinson CC (JUCO Level)

Scouting Report

Strengths

Golden has a great first step and understands how to use his hands to shed blockers against the run and has great moves when pass rushing. He's agile and quick at the point of attack and uses his quickness and instincts to anticipate the snap count exceptionally well.

His motor is amazing and he never gives up on plays. He's underrated against the run and is consistently around the ball. He sets the edge effectively and can diagnose plays quickly. He's terrific at diagnosing plays and is a very instinctual player.

Weaknesses

At times, Golden has some terrible technique when he tries to freelance. He'll get swallowed by the offensive linemen at times and has trouble getting their hands on him. Pad level is one of the most inconsistent parts of his game, as he stands straight up too often.

He lacks pass-rushing moves and his power moves will miss at times when he doesn't get off the ball quick enough. He doesn't bend the edge effectively because he doesn't have great flexibility. He's rarely played the majority of the snaps because of the rotation Missouri plays.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Golden hasn't been arrested nor suspended and fits the Falcons' off-field profile very well, as he was a captain for Missouri during his senior season. The Falcons would love his hard-working style and high level of production.

His pass-rushing productivity during the 2014 season was near the top of potential draftable edge defenders, according to Pro Football Focus. On top of that, he played in the Senior Bowl and, based on trends, that looks very good to general manager Thomas Dimitroff. 

Overview

Golden is a talented pass-rusher who might be better than his former defensive line mate Shane Ray. Golden is a better run defender and has more pass-rushing moves and athleticism than Ray but is expected to be taken two or three rounds later.

A team who takes Golden will gladly have a good rotational rusher early in his career similar to what Michael Sam was when he was in college. Golden has a lot more athleticism than Sam does, though, and shows more potential. 

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans?

The Falcons could take Golden in the third or fourth round or maybe even later than that depending on what other positions go earlier. Golden would be a great fit for a depth spot in the Falcons rotation, as he can play either the Leo or strong-side defensive end roles.

Eventually, if the Falcons can get the most they can out of Golden, he'll start as the base defensive end and provide inspired play as a strong-side end. Worst case, he'll be a solid rotational player his entire career and give Atlanta two to three sacks per season and good run defense.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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