2008 Giants draft retro ... Jonathan Goff

We didn't really get to learn anything about fifth-round selection Jonathan Goff in his rookie season. The middle linebacker from Vanderbilt was hurt much of the year, and appeared in only one game on special teams.

Here is a video from SI.com that I ran here at BBV shortly after the Giants drafted Goff.

Here is a little more info on Goff, from a Football's Future profile I ran last May.

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. ...

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.

I have no idea if Goff can be the guy to eventually replace Antonio Pierce at middle linebacker for the Giants. I do know I was excited a year ago that the Giants were able to get a guy with this kind of upside so late in the draft.

I hope he is healthy in 2009 so we can begin finding out what kind of player he can be.

Rookie Season Grade: Incomplete

Jonathan Goff

#54 / Linebacker / New York Giants

Height: 6-2

Weight: 236

Born: Dec 12, 1985

College: Vanderbilt