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It seems like an annual story, as the New York Giants enter the 2016 NFL Draft with linebacker as a position of need. Luckily for them there are several linebackers they can choose from, including some of the best since they own the No. 10 overall pick. If they fail to address the need on Day 1 they could still do so in the later rounds, and one prospect they could use a Day 3 pick on is Clemson linebacker B.J. Goodson.
There is a lot to like about Goodson, but he is far from a finished product. His numbers were solid, recording 108 total tackles including 14 for loss in 2015 which includes 5.5 sacks. He also had two interceptions last year and had three passes defensed. Those are some pretty solid numbers, but Goodson’s game is far from complete. With some good coaching, he could become a solid starter in the NFL.
One glaring weakness in Goodson’s game, albeit a correctable one, is his tackling. He tends to wrap too high and sometimes doesn’t wrap. This is evident especially against the run. In college he got away with that and missed just seven tackles last year. He won’t get away with the in the NFL but he did get better and more consistent as the year went on. He will need to work on finishing to become an every-down player in the NFL but that is certainly achievable. Against the pass, Goodson is adequate in coverage. He sometimes gets caught looking at the quarterback too long and finds himself out of position, but he is solid when it comes to blitzing, with the ability to sidestep blockers and use his hands well to disengage.
Goodson didn’t become a starter until his senior year after dealing with various injuries earlier in his collegiate career. He was healthy last season and led Clemson in tackles. The Giants have been shying away from players who have an injury history, but Goodson is fully healthy and doesn’t have a lot of miles on his legs.
As with any Day 3 prospect, Goodson has to work on his game, but everything is coachable. The physical tools are there. He ran a 4.69 40-yard dash at the combine and checks in a shade under 6-foot-1 while weighing in at 242 pounds. That’s a pretty good combination. He has solid instincts and was very good at recognizing runs and getting into position quickly.
There is a lot to like about Goodson, and he should be around when the Giants pick on Day 3. If he is there and the Giants haven’t addressed the linebacker position yet, they should draft him. If he works hard and dedicates himself to getting better he could be a steal.
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