Former Tiger BJ Goodson stellar in his debut for the New York Giants

Former Clemson Tiger, BJ Goodson got his first start for the New York Giants in yesterday’s contest with the Dallas Cowboys. Though the Giants lost, Goodson played an outstanding game.

Goodson was starring on Clemson’s defense just two short years ago. During that fateful 2015 season, Goodson led the Tigers in tackles with 108, while also racking up 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. He was the enforcer on that defense.

Now, coming into his second year in the NFL, Goodson is an enforcer on the Giants defense. After locking down a starting role during the offseason, Goodson has began to flourish. His improvement from his rookie season, to now is astonishing.

In his first start, Goodson led not only the Giants, but all tacklers with 18 total tackles (14 solo). That’s over players such as, Landon Collins, Sean Lee and second year linebacker, Jaylon Smith. If the Giants had any doubts about their fourth round pick, they have been all but erased.

Thoughts

Of the former Tigers to get drafted in 2016, Goodson is off to the best start in the NFL. Shaq Lawson, first round pick of the Buffalo Bills, was sidelined during majority of his rookie season with a shoulder injury; as was Kevin Dodd of the Tennessee Titans. Defensive backs, TJ Green, Mackensie Alexander and Jayron Kearse have yet to make any noise in the league.

All of those individuals have time to develop into legitimate players in the NFL. That being said, Goodson is clearly the best as of right now. Not only is he a starter, but, he is starting on a perennial playoff contender.

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It’ll be interesting to see how Goodson develops over the duration of the season, considering he got off to such a hot start. During his time in Death Valley, Goodson was a late bloomer. With this being his second season in the NFL, there is much more to come from the former Clemson star.