Redskins Rookie Enemies: B.J. Goodson

B.J. Goodson, ILB

School: Clemson | Conference: ACC

College Experience: Senior | Age: 22

Height / Weight: 6-1 / 242 lbs

Draft Status

Projected: 5th Round | Actual: 4th Round (Pick 109) by the New York Giants

Original Profile

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.

Recent News

How He Makes the Giants Better and Creates Problems for the Redskins

Goodson most likely won’t see the field behind Keenan Robinson and Jasper Brinkley in New York’s 4-3 defense. The Giants are counting on the young middle linebacker to eventually take over that spot and finally provide stability at the position. Goodson isn‘t the most athletically gifted linebacker but he is a fast learner and plays with high effort and intensity. He should make a mark on special teams his rookie year and probably has a chance to back up Robinson if he wins the competition with Brinkley. It’s only OTA’s but Goodson has been impressive so far. It particularly looks like he’s improved his coverage skills as he’s picked off a couple passes.

The Redskins could have a potential long term foe in Goodson in future years but in the meantime and in the event he does see the field the Redskins should attack his main weakness which is struggling in space against quick opponents and sticking with mismatches down the field in coverage.