STRENGTHS - A well built defensive end, Goodman definitely looks the part "on the hoof." With great arm length and good natural strength, he can be very effective taking on and holding ground vs OL run blocks when he gets his hand son blocker first and does so aggressively. When he keeps knees bent and uses hands effectively, he does a good job of anchoring, shedding and making/disrupting plays on run to his side. Always competing at a high level, Goodman makes some plays chasing down ball carriers through sheer effort and determination. Although he does not do so consistently, Goodman flashes the ability to defeat pass blocker with quick punch and swim move. While he lacks the burst and speed to threaten the corner as a speed rusher, but he consistently shows good initial quickness at the snap. He has experience dropping off the ball into coverage & looked better than expected with good hips.
WEAKNESSES - Lacking explosiveness off the ball, Goodman cannot consistently threaten the corner as a speed rusher. In addition, when he is able to get to the corner, he does not do a good job of dipping shoulder and turning corner effectively, which leads to him getting ridden deep and around the pocket too easily. Not consistently using hands aggressively versus pass blockers limits his ability to defeat block and pressure the QB. Although he consistently gets his hands on run blocker first and can lock-out to keep blocker at bay, he does not consistently shed quick enough to make tackle on runs to his side of the field. More of a concern, Goodman is often late reading and reacting to the play, which limits his ability to make as many plays as he is capable of. When he gets within striking distance of the ball carrier, he lacks the explosive closing burst to finish the play consistently.
SUMMARY - A bit of a drop-off compared to some of the elite defensive line prospects that have come out of Clemson in recent seasons, Goodman is a better athlete than football player right now. Carrying the label of "tweener" that no defensive end wants to hear, Goodman needs to prove where he fits best. With his long arms, playing strength and competitiveness, Goodman's physique points to him being an ideal base end in a 43 scheme, but his lack of explosiveness off the ball and natural pass rush skills makes him one dimensional for that spot. His playing style is actually more of that of a 34 defensive end, but he lacks the ideal bulk/strength to hold ground as a 2-Gap DL and needs to add at least 20+ pounds to handle that role. Overall, Goodman fits best as a backup defensive end in a 34 scheme right now, but if he can add weight and become quicker taking on and shedding blocks he has the potential to become a solid, workmanlike starter. He also could fit as a backup 43 defensive end who specializes in being a force against the run. Ideally, a late round pick, Goodman could spend a season as a backup or practice squad player to try and improve.