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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: B.J. Goodson, ILB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

B.J. Goodson, ILB
School: Clemson | Conference: ACC
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 242 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 5th Round
NFL Comparison: Erin Henderson

College Statistics

Player Overview

B.J. Goodson has a bit of old school thumper linebacker in him. He's a physical and aggressive player who stepped up and produced when he finally got his shot. It would be hard for almost any linebacker to come in and fill the shoes of someone like Stephone Anthony but Goodson stepped into that role at Clemson and didn't miss a beat. Goodson isn't the most fluid linebacker but he has a tough attitude and a high motor that has led to results on the field. Goodson was a team captain and a leader on the defense that features many prominent players that included: Shaq Lawson, Kevin Dodd, Mack Alexander, and T.J. Green. 

Goodson is a solid tackler and has the strength and vision to sift through the garbage at the LOS to bring down ballcarriers. He plays with good technique that enables him to shed blockers rarely losing the balance / leverage battle up front. He's a big-bodied linebacker that displays some burst to get in the backfield and rush the passer. Goodson's bread and butter will be his intelligence, vision, and ability to stop the run.  He also has adequate athleticism to drop back in coverage but needs to improve his game there to be considered a well-rounded linebacker prospect.


Strengths

  • Solid tackler. He maintains gap integrity and has a no-nonsense approach bringing ball carriers down.
  • Team captain and leader on a defense that featured several high-profile players.
  • Well put together body type, not easily moved or taken out of plays.
  • Great motor and willing to work through the initial scrum, shed blocks, and disrupt the play.
  • Adequate in pass coverage recording 2 interceptions and 3 passes defended this season.

Weaknesses

  • Has to work on coverage skills to be considered a good all-around linebacker prospect.
  • Lacks ideal athleticism and instincts, a lot of his production is based on him being able to work overtime.
  • Struggles and lacks athleticism in space, its hard for him to recover on a cutback lane or if beaten in coverage.


Let's see his work:



Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

While some may view inside linebacker as a more pressing need I think the Redskins would be in a fine position rolling with a duo of Mason Foster and Will Compton. I do think the Skins should invest in the position in the mid or late rounds to add depth and encourage competition for the 3rd or even 4th ILB spot on the roster. Goodson has the talent and potential to be an eventual starter on an NFL team if coached up. He would immediately contribute to special teams on the Redskins.

I view Goodson as closest to the TED linebacker role in a 3-4 defense. One could argue that for that reason he doesn't really fit what the Redskins do particularly because the Skins use the MIKE and the WILL linebackers inside. The WILL and TED roles could overlap but even if the Redskins used a pure TED, that linebacker usually comes off the field in nickel packages which the Redskins run a lot of. The good news for Goodson is that he is scheme versatile and he can play in a 4-3 or a 3-4. His fit with the Redskins will most likely come down to how the coaches view his athleticism.

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