New York Giants Draft Clemson ‘Thumper’ B.J. Goodson

With the 109th pick in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft the New York Giants select linebacker B.J. Goodson from Clemson.

Goodson is 6 feet, 1 inch, 242 pounds, and has an arm length of 33 1/4 inches. This is a great pick for the Giants to fill a large hole in the defense. B.J. had 108 combined tackles throughout the 2015 season in college, which led his team. He also had 14 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks, which shows that he has the potential to become an up the middle pass rusher or moved to the inside if necessary.

Goodson’s toughness and consistency resembles older style of play that could bring a new form of physicality to the Giants defensive interior. B.J. will most likely begin as a backup during the 2016 season and develop under Jasper Brinkley and Keenan Robinson. Goodson has eventual starter potential, but he must work on his speed and his pursuit of the running back.

One of Goodson’s flaws is his pass coverage can be weak, which could cause trouble in 1-on-1 situations in open space. B.J. has been deemed by many as a “thumper” because of his extremely physical play and strength, he also never shed away from a blocker in the box. Just because he is hit first type of player doesn’t mean that he is only that, he is skilled in avoiding a blocker to pursue a runner or a scrambling quarterback when he needs to.

Sam Beckenstein of NFLMocks wrote the following on Goodson in his scouting report:

"“Goodson flashed brilliance at times last season, and showed he could be a great run stopper, but needs to improve in his pass defense if he wants a real shot. He is worth a middle round selection, and could be a solid producer as a two-down linebacker instantly. But in order to make it long term he needs to improve on coverage skills and not biting on play action.”"

CBS Sports draft analyst Dane Brugler had this to say about Goodson:

"“He is a magnet to the ball in the run game with the take-on skills to stack the point of attack, using his strong hands and low pad level to shed and find the ballcarrier. Goodson is a balanced athlete and limits his wasted motion, but his range is based more on his instincts, lacking ideal play speed and explosive traits for the position.Although not a dynamic mover, which especially shows in coverage, Goodson plays a physical brand of football and always seems to be in the vicinity – quality depth player, who will push for starting reps by year two.”"

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Goodson’s eyes are incredible and allow him to diagnose his blocker and the runner to put himself in the best position possible to make the play. One problem that is see with him is that he can be “hit or miss” when in open space because he sometimes over pursues. He should have no problem waiting as a backup for a year or two due to the fact that he had to wait four years for the starting position at Clemson.