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New York Giants: B.J. Goodson showing signs of progress

By Maxwell Ogden

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) waits for the snap during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Bills beat the Giants 21 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants outside linebacker B.J. Goodson (93) waits for the snap during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Bills beat the Giants 21 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants linebacker B.J. Goodson is being given the opportunity to earn a big role in 2017. He’s showing intriguing signs of progress.

New York Giants general manager Jerry Reese hasn’t exactly placed an emphasis on the development of star-caliber linebackers. It’s been a consistent point of contention amongst Giants fans who are hoping to see the next Antonio Pierce walk through the locker room doors.

Although he may have been limited during his rookie season, linebacker B.J. Goodson is being granted the opportunity to develop into the force New York needs in 2017.

Goodson was selected at No. 109 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Clemson Tigers star appeared in 15 games for the Giants in 2016, but spent most of his time with the special teams unit.

According to Paul Schwartz of The New York Post, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes what he’s been seeing from Goodson.

"“Anytime you come in, and all of these guys will tell you, the second time through, all of the little things that you couldn’t remember the first year are just natural now,’’ Spagnuolo said. “He looks a lot more comfortable.’’"

If he progresses at a consistent enough rate, Goodson could be the thumper whom the Giants desperately need at linebacker.

New York’s linebacker corps ranked amongst the worst in the NFL during the 2016 season. Devon Kennard was a solid performer, but he was active for just 550 snaps—a rather low count for the best linebacker on the roster.

Keenan Robinson and Kelvin Sheppard received two of the four worst run defense grades amongst linebackers, per Pro Football Focus, and Jonathan Casillas struggled in coverage.

Thus, while Goodson may be fielding relatively low expectations, it stands to reason that he could earn a prominent role in 2017.

Goodson is a throwback linebacker in the sense that his game is predicated on his ability to lay a heavy hit on opponents. He’s far from polished in pass coverage, but has the quickness to potentially excel in that regard.

With the Giants in need of help on defense, Goodson could be the answer to the remaining questions on Spagnuolo’s side of things.

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The question is: can B.J. Goodson seize this moment and opportunity with the New York Giants?

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