Our Analysts Hand Out New York Giants 2016 Draft Grades

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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers linebacker B.J. Goodson (44) smiles as he sacked Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) (not pictured) in the first quarter of the 2015 CFP Semifinal at the Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4 Pick 11: B.J. Goodson (ILB, Clemson)

“I’ve accepted the fact that Reese will never take a linebacker early in the draft. I’ve resolved myself to welcome any linebacker drafted by the Giants with open arms. That said, Goodson should give Big Blue’s banged-up linebacker corp some much needed help stuffing the run.”

Steve Curry: B

“This time around, overcrowding one area of the depth chart isn’t as favorable. Goodson evidently impressed coaches with his promised work ethic and locker room presence, but at this point on the field, he’s better equipped to showcase he’s physically so long as the running back runs directly into him. The Giants didn’t break the bank on Keenan Robinson, Jasper Brinkley or Kelvin Sheppard in free agency, but it’s all too much to shove into the inside linebacker battle when there are limited candidates for pure and potent outside rushers, even in a 4-3. Goodson claims the ability to make that transition and compete with Devon Kennard and Co., but his pursuit and athleticism are simply capped. New York continues to follow the post-80s mantra of linebackers not winning championships, but at least hailing from the ascending pedigree of Clemson, Goodson can still develop into a nice rotational piece.”

Michael Luca: C-

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