B.J. Goodson

Giants' B.J. Goodson may take over middle linebacker role in 2017

The New York Giants believe 2016 fourth-round rookie B.J. Goodson can take over middle linebacker duties next season, NJ Advance Media's Dan Duggan reports.

What It Means:

Kelvin Sheppard was the Giants' MIKE this season, playing 451 snaps, but graded out as Pro Football Focus' fourth-worst inside linebacker (out of 59). The Giants' main goal on defense should be to upgrade their linebacker play. Goodson played just 13 snaps as a rookie but is viewed as a solid run defender, plus Sheppard is an impending free agent.

The Giants' defense ranked second-best in opponent-adjusted Defensive Net Expected Points per play this year, particularly due to a third-best run defense by the Rushing component of this analytic.