B.J. Goodson NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Giants Rookie

POSITIVES

Stepping into the role vacated when Stephone Anthony left for the NFL, B.J. Goodson became a leader on the Clemson defense playing outside linebacker. A three-down impact, Goodson made plays in the running game, in pass coverage (two interceptions) and when getting after the quarterback (5.5 sacks).

A team captain in 2015, Goodson showed immediate ability in his first season as a full-time starter. He’s a smooth line-scraper with enough power to shed blockers and make impact tackles between the hashes. Goodson does a great job freeing himself of blocks at the point of attack.

Playing in coverage, Goodson showed the hands to flip the field and an easy, controlled movement through space in zone coverage and enough speed to run with players in man. He’s a smart player who reads the field efficiently and maximizes his movement with his eyes.

A bulky, thick player, Goodson will bring the wood when attacking ball-carriers. He’s strong enough to contain on the edge in the run game and makes enough tackles in the backfield to show off his burst and instincts.

NEGATIVES

Just a one-year starter, Goodson played on a loaded defense and had plays funneled to him more often than not. A lack of experience will be a question.

Athletically, Goodson has average speed. He can’t recover to the ball if contain is broken and is a poor pursuit player. He’s not a natural pass-rusher, and coaches would ask him to play inside in a 3-4 scheme. His stocky build limits his range and prevents Goodson from being a quick-twitch explosive athlete. His balance when sliding laterally is poor to very poor at times.

Goodson has production in coverage and when rushing the passer but doesn’t have the traits to match it consistently. When playing the quarterback, he was allowed to clean up flushed pockets and didn’t break free from blocks on his own to attack the passer.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 242 lbs.

40 Time: 4.69s

3-Cone: 7.05s

Short Shuttle: 4.51s

PRO COMPARISON: A.J. Hawk, Cincinnati Bengals
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)