Fansided
Fansided

BJ Goodson, OLB, Clemson: Scouting Report

By Sam Beckenstein

Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs away from the Clemson Tigers defense to score a touchdown in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) runs away from the Clemson Tigers defense to score a touchdown in the first quarter in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

2016 NFL Draft: BJ Goodson’s scouting report. After Goodson graduated from Clemson he decided to enter the NFL Draft, and will have a good shot at getting selected.

BJ Goodson spent the past five years at Clemson after redshirting his freshman season, and started his redshirt senior season at outside linebacker for Brent Venables’ defense. He started his senior year, and recorded 105 total tackles, to go along with five and a half sacks, and two interceptions.

In his first three seasons he had 45 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, four quarterback pressures, two pass breakups, three recovered fumbles and a 24-yard fumble return for a touchdown. He played his high school football at Lamar High School in South Carolina before committing to Clemson over LSU and Tennessee. He was the 23rd overall prospect in South Carolina the year he committed.

Measurables:

Height 6’1″

Weight 242 lbs.

Arm Length 33 1/4″

Hand Width 10″

Combine Results:

40-yd Dash 4.69 seconds

20-yd Shuttle 4.51 seconds

3 Cone Drill 7.05 seconds

Bench Press Reps 30 (top performer amongst linebackers)

Vertical Jump 34.5″

Broad Jump 118″

Games Watched:

2015- Florida State, Alabama

Strengths:

The thing you notice when reading over Goodson’s bio is the eye popping production for a one year starter. 105 tackles as compared to the 45 in three previous years, it’s also impressive that he was able to become a team captain in his only season starting. Very strong punch and shed moves, very good at disrupting blockers and the flow of the play. Stocky build, he can handle the ground and pound styles. Good at timing the snap.

Weaknesses:

Not good in pursuit, also doesn’t often beat the running back to the edge or corner. Not the best coverage guy, noticeably grabby, could be exposed when matched up in large space. Tends to bite on play-action, and doesn’t recover well. Not much experience, even though he flourished in his one season he also had a great supporting cast. Needs to improve in passing situations, doesn’t go with the flow well.

Overview:

Goodson flashed brilliance at times last season, and showed he could be a great run stopper, but needs to improve in his pass defense if he wants a real shot. He is worth a middle round selection, and could be a solid producer as a two-down linebacker instantly. But in order to make it long term he needs to improve on coverage skills and not biting on play action.

Home/Scouting Reports