Arizona Cardinals Linebackers Depth Chart
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) rushes past Florida Gators offensive lineman Roderick Johnson (55) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Missouri Tigers defeated the Florida Gators 42-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There is a glaring need for a pass rusher, and Markus Golden could easily fill that need. Golden was the Cardinals 2nd round pick from the Missouri Tigers. He was a defensive end that will play outside linebacker in the Cardinals 3-4 defense.
Golden played under Michael Sam in 2012 and 2013, and can also play special teams. He has great speed and the ability to track the ball well.
With Alex Okafor having one outside linebacker starting job locked down, Golden has a great shot of grabbing the other. The Cardinals have a great rotation of linebackers, so even if he is named a starter he will not play every down.
Golden needs to be able to transition from lineman to linebacker, but if he can do that and show he is NFL ready, he can be a starter.