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.
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.
Source: Rotoworld.com