How the Giants new LBs stack up
The Giants added two linebackers in the draft, Bryan Kehl in the fourth round and Jonathan Goff in the fifth. Here is some information about them.
I am intrigued by Kehl since GM Jerry Reese found it necessary to trade up for him in the fourth round, giving up one of his extra sixth-round picks.
From NFL Draft Countdown:
A pretty good all-around player whose physical tools are passable and gets pushed over the top by doing all the little things...Probably not starting material but can make a roster & contribute..Backup / Special Teamer.
The Giants also drafted middle linebacker Jonathan Goff, from Vanderbilt, in the fifth round.
Here is what Footballs Future had to say about Goff.
Goff is a physical, run stuffing force at middle linebacker. He quickly diagnoses the run, and attacks the line of scrimmage. He will take on blockers and battle until he gets to the ball carrier. Goff has the ability to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage, as long as the play is in front of him. He has good size, and the frame to get even bigger to develop even more at the next level.
Goff may lack the change of direction ability and athleticism to be more than a run stopper in the NFL.. He gets lost in space and loses ground when changing directions when asked to cover. He may be limited to a two down role in the NFL. He will also have to pack on some more weight, and he has a lanky build right now.
Goff is one of the best inside linebackers available for the draft. He is an excellent run stopper, and should make an impact there right away in the NFL. He may never be a big time playmaker from his inside linebacker spot, but he will help clog running lanes between the tackles.
Sounds to me like the Giants have added a couple of players who could at the very least add some quality depth. Goff might even be a guy who could replace Antonio Pierce down the road.
0 recs |
13
comments
| Add your comment
Read Related
Comments
We have a young team, and it looks like
we’re going to get younger. I see Reese getting draft picks for guys who are cut during preseason. I love it.
by george cronin on
May 1, 2008 1:20 PM EDT
reply
0 recs
I thought it was a strange move
to trade up for a supposed “marginal prospect.” Either the scouts saw something no one else picked up on or, maybe it was some sort of salary cap consideration where they decided they could burn the extra pick. This was the kindest review I’ve read on Goff. Other than the lanky buid comment it kind of sounds like they’re describing Harry Carson. If only we were so lucky.
We're only gonna score 17 points?
by big blue wrecking crew on
May 1, 2008 4:01 PM EDT
reply
0 recs
Off topic, but
Nice pic of Jenn Sterger! Did you photoshop that yourself?
by potroast on
May 1, 2008 5:08 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
That pic
is on the Inter-Google somewhere. Very nice job by Big Blue Wrecking Crew, though! Major points!
by ETVal on
May 1, 2008 5:14 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
Nah
I got it by cutting and pasting off of the giants message boards( which I used to read before I found this site). Then I added it to my files. You should be able to do the same. If you cant , let me know maybe I can email it to you.
We're only gonna score 17 points?
by big blue wrecking crew on
May 2, 2008 7:53 AM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
I don't believe salary cap was an issue
For some reason – they wanted Goff more than whoever they thought would still be available when their pick came
We’ll find out if they were right
by NYERinSF on
May 1, 2008 11:25 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
Goff
Seems like a guy who can play the run, but not the pass. I see him as competition for Chase Blackburn. I doubt both guys will make the team. Fact is, there aren’t a lot of ‘available’ slots on the roster. Reese won’t be perfect this time—simply because I don’t see that many spots available on this roster.
by ETVal on
May 1, 2008 4:18 PM EDT
reply
0 recs
That's a rough situation for Goff, then
Other than the one bonehead play in the Super Bowl (which, it should be noted,* the Giants won), Blackburn is a pretty good special teams player.
- I’m not noting that to excuse Blackburn’s penalty, but just because I like saying that
by JoshNY on
May 1, 2008 6:25 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
That would be too bad.
I really believe given the chance Blackburn would be a great starter.
We're only gonna score 17 points?
by big blue wrecking crew on
May 2, 2008 7:55 AM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
I agree
I love the guy. Has anyone ever heard what happened on that play? I know I’ve asked a couple of times. I just can’t believe that Blackburn wasn’t supposed to be on the field, he’s on every coverage team. I always just assumed he was the only one heads up to try to run off. I remeber looking at it, and no one takes his position in the formation when he runs off.
by queler on
May 3, 2008 12:56 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs
Depth
These guys do add depth, but I’m looking forward to seeing what Wilkinson can do with a real shot. He was all over the field in the regular season finale. I think he’s going to do well.
by potroast on
May 1, 2008 7:18 PM EDT
reply
0 recs
I agree....
When Wilkinson had his chance last year he made the most of it. He looked very good considering his lack of game experience.
As for replacing Pierce, I do think that his negatives are starting to show. He is not a great tackler, takes too many dumb penalties, and is a little too small for me. He has been a good team leader, plays with great emotion, and audibles well, but compared to some of the Giant linebackers of the past he is only adequate.
That said, someone still has to step up and outplay him to get the job.
by giant fan since 57 on
May 2, 2008 5:56 AM EDT
reply
0 recs
Pierce
Two years ago teams figured out that you could run right at him because of his size. I think everyone just forgot this year because they were so focused on trying to exploit the secondary. I can’t imagine he has many years left. What a great signing he was though.
by queler on
May 3, 2008 12:58 PM EDT
up
reply
0 recs







