DT, Memphis

Update: O’Bryan Goodson wasn’t drafted and is still looking to sign. Someone be smart and sign him up. Minnesota I’m looking your way.

I never trust a man with two first names, but what about a guy with two last names? Well I trust O’Bryan Goodson to play in the NFL, so I guess they’re OK. Goodson was literally one of the best all around defensive tackles in 2020 according to PFF. He was very strong against the run and the pass. He also put in three strong years of college ball, so why is he a sleeper? His weight, that’s it. I think that’s stupid so let’s talk about Memphis defensive tackle O’Bryan Goodson.

Scouts will tell you O’Bryan Goodson is too small to play defensive tackle in the NFL, as if college offensive lineman aren’t big. Goodson measured in at 5’10” 276 lbs., so he’s definitely on the smaller side for an interior defensive lineman. Not surprisingly, Goodson is extremely quick. He’s got a great first step and he penetrates well. Goodson’s hands are also quicker than most offensive lineman. I like him, but I know most people won’t. Let me break down why you should be excited about a 276 lbs. defensive tackle.

Strengths

I already mentioned it, but Goodson is quick. He’s got a great first step and that helps him penetrate the offensive line. Goodson is disruptive in both the run and pass game. His lack of height is a strength as well as he gets low on offensive lineman, and we all know low man wins. You would think Goodson would struggle against the run because he’s smaller, but he graded out at an 88 against the run this season according to PFF. Goodson tacked on 4 sacks and 15 QB hurries as well. He was actually one of the most well rounded defensive tackles in the country according to PFF. Goodson also played over the A and B gap for over 100 snaps each, so he can line up in different places along the line. Goodson also has excellent balance, he stays on his feet so he can make plays. 

Finally, Goodson has something that’s not teachable, a nonstop motor. That’s my favorite thing about Goodson, he never stops going after the man with the ball. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, probably because everyone keeps telling him he’s too small. 

Weaknesses

I mean his main weakness is his size. His weight is the bigger issue, 276 lbs. Is small for a defensive tackle, there’s no way around it. I understand that NFL offensive lineman are bigger than college offensive lineman, but college offensive lineman aren’t exactly tiny. Still, to be an effective NFL defensive tackle Goodson could stand to gain some weight. Apparently, people think Memphis had a weak schedule as well. They won eight games including a bowl, and I don’t care who you play, winning games is always hard. Realistically, his only weakness is his size. If he was 30 lbs. heavier Goodson would be a day one or two pick, but he’s not.

Prediction

Because of his size, Goodson is likely a late day three pick or undrafted free agent, more than likely the latter. I see Goodson as a great fit with a 4-3 team, I feel like a 3-4 team would try and make him a big OLB or something. I think teams like the Minnesota Vikings or the Seattle Seahawks will take a look at Goodson as a penetrating defensive tackle. I really like him to those two teams because I’m going to make a crazy comparison for Goodson. 

Goodson reminds me of Hall of Famer John Randle. An undersized, insanely agile defensive tackle who plays the run and pass well. Randle went undrafted as well, so he got no respect coming out of college, because he was too small. Fun fact, the 1990 draft was 12 rounds, so for 12 rounds no team thought John Randle was worthy of a pick based solely on his weight. I can’t predict Goodson becoming a future Hall of Famer, but his game has a lot of potential. Remember his name and hope that your team takes a flier on him, you could be getting the next John Randle.