McAdoo provides some clarity about Giants' linebacker plans

goal line and short yardage. But the rest of the time, does he have the speed to play middle LB at even an average level of play?

but I'm curious what's there in round 3. Its been 11 years since we took a LB higher than round 4, sooner or later they will break the mold. I don't even disagree with their philosophy but it would be interesting to see what a difference maker in the LB corps can add to this defense. Collins plays that hybrid role which will only become more valuable if Thompson makes a full recovery, so they may be a factor when drafting as well.

Casillas is just not good enough.

Others he's a step slow. I don't think he's a negative but he could be upgraded. I don't see them spending a day one or two on a LB though. Business as usual.

In comment 13411532 Marty in Albany said:

Quote:

goal line and short yardage. But the rest of the time, does he have the speed to play middle LB at even an average level of play?

From reports - yes. We need to see it on the field, and I don't think anyone can confirm how he'd do patrolling the middle yet in the NFL. Have I missed snaps he's taken there - maybe in preseason?

BTW, sure wish camp was still in Albany - you might be the best guy to answer this question if it was. Cheers.

Turn and run, jury still out. Probably better to talk about fluidity with this player.

In comment 13411547 jeff57 said:

Quote:

Casillas is just not good enough.

Zach Cunningham would be a nice fit.

In comment 13411623 superspynyg said:

Quote:

In comment 13411547 jeff57 said: Quote: Casillas is just not good enough. Zach Cunningham would be a nice fit.

Yes. Reddick would be even nicer.

He stated what all already know. This doesn't mean they won't make another move at LB.

Robinson in sub packages ... dare I say that's actually a good LB corp? Great compared to what they've trotted out lately.

Goodson has what it takes to be a captain of this defense one day.

Is it true, that like most linebackers, his weakness is plays that are behind him? Yes. But he won't embarrass himself, either. He has the speed to get to the edge. He has plus instincts, great tackler, football smarts, is tough and has excellent leadership traits. He will not be outworked, either.

You guys will love him when he finally gets the chance to shine. He'll be the starting MLB by 2018.

He is not just a thumper as some want to believe.

Last year was his rookie year, and as a 4th rounder he needed a little time. He has all the skills, lets see what he can do.

Just because a rookie doesn't start right away doesn't mean he sucks. Its time for Goodson, Adams, Thompson (yes I know he was injured not sat), Perkins, etc to get bigger roles.

it's unlikely to be pure WILL, it's most likely an edge rusher who can play on the edge as a DE or 5th DL, more often than not.

He was ecstatic when the Giants drafted Goodson, and probably has a good handle on whether Goodson has potential as a three-down defender.

They looked to Robinson to play MIKE in the extra DBs packages, figure they stick with that, and it's time for Goodson to not give them a reason to bring back Kelvin.

I included the header lines for the other top linebackers, for context. I believe Sy posted his grades at a time when Myles Jack was expected to be full-go physically. Jaylon Smith had already been deeply downgraded for injury (except in Jerry Jones's eyes, apparently).

Quote:

1 – MYLES JACK – 6’1/245 – UCLA: 92 2 – LEONARD FLOYD – 6’6/244 – GEORGIA: 81 3 – BJ GOODSON – 6’1/242 – CLEMSON: 79 Fifth year senior. Was a backup and special teamer for 2-plus years, with only one and half season of starting experience. Goodson is an interior enforcer that can play equally tough against blockers and ball carriers. His stoutness and short area power make him a tough assignment for any blocker and his ability to finish plays can be an asset to a defense looking for run defending help. Goodson lacks the ideal athleticism for every down duty, but he has shown to be at least competent in zone coverage and has enough range to play at least two downs in the NFL. *I saw a ton of Goodson in 2015 and #44 kept popping on to the screen. There were so many players on that defense that I was scouting and time after time Goodson was right in the middle of the action. After further review I almost had him as a 1st rounder. Goodson is thick but fast and quick-twitched. He has all the power you want and maintains it on the move. Goodson moves well enough in coverage to possibly stay on the field for three downs. He is smart and reliable, rarely misses tackles. I don’t see superstar here and he can get overwhelmed in traffic, but Goodson is a guy that simply brings it play after play, week after week. I think he can be a 100+ tackle guy year in, year out. Upside Pro Comparison: Preston Brown/BUF 4 – REGGIE RAGLAND – 6’1/247 – ALABAMA: 78 5 – DEION JONES – 6’1/222 – LSU: 78 6 – KYLER FACKRELL – 6’5/250 – UTAH STATE: 78 7 – SU’A CRAVENS – 6’1/226 – USC: 77 8 – DERRON LEE – 6’1/232 – OHIO STATE: 77 9 – JAYLON SMITH – 6’2/223 – NOTRE DAME: 77 10 – NICK VIGIL – 6’2/239 – UTAH STATE: 76 11 – JOSH PERRY – 6’4/254 – OHIO STATE: 76 12 – JORDAN JENKINS – 6’3/259 – GEORGIA: 75

Goodson was the 13th LB to come off the board, after Floyd, Lee, Smith, Jack, Ragland, Jones, Cravens, Fackrell, Vigil, Jenkins and Perry, plus Joe Schobert (74). So far, the only LBs on that list to make less impact than Goodson have been Smith and Ragland, who missed the season altogether with knee injuries. 2017 should be his year to step up.

In comment 13411913 JonC said:

Quote:

it's unlikely to be pure WILL, it's most likely an edge rusher who can play on the edge as a DE or 5th DL, more often than not.

I'd say they have that already in Devon Kennard (6-3, 251) and quite possibly Ishaq Williams (6-4, 253).

the latter an unknown ... neither would prevent them from investing in a true, potentially destructive prime prospect at ER.

In comment 13412784 JonC said:

Quote:

the latter an unknown ... neither would prevent them from investing in a true, potentially destructive prime prospect at ER.

Kennard's a SAM who played some DE in college. Ditto for Williams. If the Giants want to draft another ER in their mold, fine (you know I love Tyus Bowser), but it seems to me that a more dynamic WILL is a much greater need.

Bowser potentially fits the ER mold they've long tried to fill as the hybrid DE/LB.

but he's not the dynamo we're looking for when talking about a legit threat worthy of a #1 pick. He's in there more to be the muscle on his edge, which he does well. 4-3s are designed to try and force funnel traffic to the MIKE or WILL.

In comment 13412813 JonC said:

Quote:

Bowser potentially fits the ER mold they've long tried to fill as the hybrid DE/LB.

I think that if they want to bolster their pass rush, they'd be better served by adding another DE who can compete with Okwara and Odiguizuwa, and/or adding another 3-tech DT who can get some penetration.

AT LB, that "hybrid DE/LB" they keep looking for seems to be as elusive as the Loch Ness Monster. I wish they'd stop trying to find it, and instead concentrate on finding a bona fide, playmaking WILL (who just might be able to rush the passer, too).

on those points, hope they uncover a gem at DE.

In comment 13412843 JonC said:

Quote:

on those points, hope they uncover a gem at DE.

Me too. I have some hope for Okwara, who came out of nowhere last year. He's still very young and has a lot to learn, but it looks like he's got all of the tools. I have no hope at all for Odighizuwa. I didn't like the pick at the time and I like it even less now.

Back to LBs now, although I like Goodson, I was surprised at how little playing time he got last year. I expect that to change this year, though, unless the Giants draft someone like Jarrad Davis or Raekwon McMillan (although Davis is versatile enough to compete for the WILL as well as the MIKE).

I'm satisfied with Kennard at SAM, with the proviso that he stays healthy, and I hope the Giants continue to develop Williams.

WILL still seems to be a major concern, though. To me, Casillas is a JAG-plus - eminently upgradeable (sic). Thomas is probably a goner, and I just don't trust Robinson to stay healthy (which is why I was happy that the Giants gave him another one year deal instead of a long-term commitment).

Cunningham or Davis would fill that hole.

they continue to go the value route in acquiring LBs, not unlike TE.

Let's hope Goodson at least is as serviceable as Kennard, and perhaps they break the pattern at WILL soon via the draft.

stockpile 210 lbs safeties and play 5 safeties or 4 safeties and a lb. Many linebackers are two down players anyway. Unless you happen upon a very talented one, the body type does not seem that important anymore.

In comment 13413078 HomerJones45 said:

Quote:

stockpile 210 lbs safeties and play 5 safeties or 4 safeties and a lb. Many linebackers are two down players anyway. Unless you happen upon a very talented one, the body type does not seem that important anymore.

Now, on that we agree, which is why Safety is the biggest "wild card" for me in the upcoming draft.

As for LBs, enough with the "size/speed" 250-pound conversion projects. Go smaller, and faster, and versatile.

''
As for LBs, enough with the "size/speed" 250-pound conversion projects. >Go smaller, and faster, and versatile.''

A.K.A also known as "safeties"

as long as you do keep it coming with the big DTs, i.e. don't let off at all in the snacks + another big combo, you can run a

5-0-6 which is really a 4-2-4 assuming one of the '2' is really a DE type (Vernon or Kennard?) and one a 'safety'.

No one would mistake Zach Cunningham, Jarrad Davis, or Haason Reddick for a Safety, although a larger Safety like Obi Melifonwu certainly does intrigue me, and I daresay he'll be in play in the first round.

When I said smaller, faster, and more versatile, I meant as opposed to the DE/LB conversion types - the Clint Sintims and Adrian Tracys of the world. 250-pounders who have trouble playing space. Now, the Giants may like a kid like Tak McKinley or Ryan Anderson, and it's no secret that I like Tyus Bowser, but still, I'm thinking more along the lines of the guys I mentioned above, along with kids like Duke Riley and Matt Milano, to name two.

Hopefully Thompson returns to the ballhawk he was @ Boise ... let Jenkins/Apple/ DRC lock down in man coverage ...

draft an athletic WILL ...

laugh at offenses trying to move the ball. this defense is 1 quality LB away from being potentially great - like historically great.