The Top 25 NFL Rookies at Midseason – Mariota, Darby lead the way

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard John Urschel (64) carries the ball as Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Markus Golden (44) defends during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Markus Golden, EDGE, Cardinals (2nd round, 58th overall) I’ll go ahead and spoil something for you here and fill you in that Markus Golden is on this list and not former Missouri teammate Shane Ray, who was a first round pick and conference defensive player of the year. I don’t mean that to slight Ray, who has been injured a bit and playing behind Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware in Denver, but to highlight just how good Golden has been.

His 17 QB hurries lead all rookie pass rushers this season, and the 2nd round pick has provided the Cardinals with an edge player that the have needed for a long while. One article I read described Golden as a ‘junkyard dog’ with the style he plays the game. That kind of effort and scrappy style of play will earn you more than just snaps in the NFL — it’ll eventually translate to some big plays in big situations, like the playoffs, where the Cardinals are headed this season.

Next: La'el Collins