New York Giants 2017 Roster Preview: Linebackers
By Sean Dyer
MLB B.J. Goodson
The Giants may have finally found their next Antonio Pierce. New York’s eight-year search for their middle linebacker of the future may be coming to an end with B.J. Goodson.
Goodson was the Giants fourth round pick out of Clemson in 2016 and spent a majority of his rookie year on special teams. He finished the year with nine total tackles, never cracking the starting lineup.
The last time Goodson was a starting middle linebacker was his senior year at Clemson and he put up some serious numbers. Goodson finished the year with 108 total tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He did it all for the Tigers defense.
The Giants are hopeful Goodson can bring that skill set to Big Blue’s defense. Goodson will be replacing Kelvin Sheppard, who started 11 games and totaled 50 tackles in 2016.
Sheppard never impressed me last year. He was more of a run stuffing middle linebacker but he never did anything special. I’m excited to see what B.J. Goodson can do if given the opportunity.
Right now, Goodson is listed as the starting middle linebacker on the Giants unofficial depth chart and has gotten a lot of praise for the strides he’s made heading into his second year in the NFL.
Have the New York Giants finally found a long-term solution at middle linebacker? I think they just might have.