How the Giants new LBs stack up

by Ed Valentine on May 1, 2008 1:00 PM EDT in New York Giants News

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.

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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 actions

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 actions

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 actions

That pic

is on the Inter-Google somewhere. Very nice job by Big Blue Wrecking Crew, though! Major points!

by Ed Valentine on May 1, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

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 actions

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

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by NYERinSF on May 1, 2008 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions

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 Ed Valentine on May 1, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions

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 actions

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 actions

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 actions

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 actions

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 actions

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 actions