Tyler Goodson Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Prospect Report

University of Iowa, RB, #15

Measurements

5’10″/ 200 lbs.

40 time: 4.5 (estimate)

 

Tyler Goodson NFL Draft Profile

 

Before Iowa’s (meaningless) bowl game, Tyler Goodson announced that he would be leaving the University of Iowa for the NFL Draft. Although he missed out on the excitement of a trip to Orlando for the Citrus Bowl, Goodson is an underclassman where leaving early just made sense. After sharing the load in his freshman season, he has been the clear lead back the last two seasons, and there was not much left to show NFL evaluators. I always encourage running backs to leave early, because you might as well make NFL money for as long as you can with the abuse your body is going to go through.

I took a closer look at his games against Maryland and Iowa State to get a better look at what the Hawkeye running back will bring to the NFL.

 

 

Tyler Goodson Strengths

 

Passing Game

Goodson snagged 31 catches for 247 yards in 2021. He was a reliable receiver who has good technique on the catch. But the numbers undersell his ability as a creator with the ball in his hands. He was rarely delivered the ball in space, but when he was, good things happened.

There aren’t many things more terrifying than Tyler Goodson in space. Even before he makes the juke that will haunt that Maryland safety for years to come, he does an excellent job creating that space. He’s running an option route where he can break inside or out depending on what he is seeing in coverage. With the linebacker in man coverage, and everything open to the middle, it’s a no brainer for Goodson. He fakes to the outside which gives him a good three yards of separation as he makes the catch. Then, it’s one more juke on the safety and cruising on to the end zone.

He is also an asset as a blocker.

He not only recognizes his blocking assignment, but delivers a block and carries the blitzer well beyond the quarterback. The replay video even does a nice job of recognizing when the defender is thinking, “Oh shit.” He realizes he’s well beyond the play, and he just got punked out by a running back.

 

Running Game

He had nearly 1400 all-purpose yards this season and was a key part of the Hawkeye offense. His yards per carry did drop to 4.5 this past season. Considering the passing game posed zero threat, this is not a reason to knock Goodson.

Goodson shows good balance on contact as he can sustain a hit but still stay on his feet.

Still, the most impressive part of this run, and really of Goodson’s game overall, is his ability in the open field. If you give this man space, you better have a good relationship with God, because only a life of piety and prayer will save you.

Tyler Goodson Weaknesses

Vision at the line

I will say that Goodson didn’t always make the correct decision when finding holes. He would sometimes drift a little bit looking for a big hole instead of just taking a small gain. It’s tough to totally pin this on Goodson, as a more reliable offensive line may be able to provide better opportunities. And yes, I know Iowa should always have a good offensive line, but they spent a majority of the season finding their best five guys. And again, the passing game was no threat. Yes, he wasn’t in the best situation, but he also didn’t always make the best decisions.

 

Tyler Goodson Draft Stock

There is plenty to like with Tyler Goodson. I have loved having him as a Hawkeye where for three years, I screamed for more plays for Goodson. In fact, I (and every person I know) may have even called him Tyler Greatson. How high Goodson goes in the draft will likely depend on his combine numbers. If he runs a 4.4, he’s going to get day two consideration, but he’s likely a day three pick. I’d say his floor looks like Rex Burkhead with a ceiling as a guy who takes the bulk of a running back committee who can hurt you in both the running and passing game.

 

NFL Comparison: Ronnie Brown

 

Tyler Goodson Scouting Report Author: Joe Loncarich