2010 Scouting Report Presented by Comcast: Travis Goethel, LB, Arizona State

This Scouting Report is Presented by Comcast

Just last year the Jaguar linebackers were considered to be one of the strongest units on the team even with the loss of Mike Peterson. After the 2009 season the Jaguars have made it very apparent that they want to address the linebacker position during this draft. With no major injuries to the group, they simply underachieved and Daryl Smith was the only one who played up to the level that expected of the LB corps. The Jaguars have made it clear that they wish to bring in some new players to provide some competition for the group and possibly even find a new player to start in the middle. The Jaguars have worked out a few linebackers the latest one being ASU LB Travis Goethel, a 6'2, 240 pound player that has experience at both the inside and outside linebacker positions. 

In his four years as a Sun Devil, Goethel saw action in all 50 games of his career starting in all but 9 of the 13 games in his freshman season. An instinctive player against the run and solid in coverage, Goethel accumulated 228 tackles during his tenure. The one thing that people continue to say about Goethel is that he excels in being extremely versatile. He has the ability to play at any of the linebacker positions and also contribute on special teams.

The question that many have is whether or not Goethel will have the athleticism to play in the NFL. Although he has the instincts and intelligence necessary, the common thought is that his speed isn't enough to keep up with the speed of the NFL. After receiving an invite to the combine, which was shocking to many, Goethel didn't do much to disprove the doubters running in the 4.8-4.9 range.

At the ASU pro day, Goethel did what was necessary to make scouts forget about his 40 times at the combine. In front of many coaches including Jaguars LB coach Mark Duffner, Goethel improved his time to a 4.58 a full 2 or 3 tenths of a second faster than at the combine. At the combine, Goethel's 3 cone drill time of 6.93 was the 7th best among linebackers. At his pro day, Goethel lowered that time to 6.71 which would've been 3rd fastest.

To me, the athleticism that everyone knocks appears to be there. Although he may not have the 40 times of the freakish athletes like Jamar Chaney, a linebacker that runs a 4.58 is fast enough to play in the NFL. Keep in mind that through 7 rounds of the 2009 draft, no team chose to draft Russell Allen because of his lack of athleticism, even though he ran a 4.62 at his pro day.

Video Killed the Scouting Report

Travis Goethel Combine Workout

Travis Goethel: By the Numbers

1st Team All-Pac 10 Freshman Team 2006

According to the Experts

CDSDraft

Pros

Player of versatility as he can play all 3 LB spots. Will add value on special teams. Hard worker.

Cons

Not a very productive player. Lacks the athletic ability for the next level.

CBSSports

Read & React: Makes up for average speed with very good reaction time and recognition skills. Sniffs out screen plays and understands routes playing in zone or man coverage against running backs. One false step, and he takes himself out of the play because of a lack of quick-twitch movement and recovery speed.

Run defense: Tall, well-built defender ideal for playing inside or at the nine-technique. A good feel for blocks vs. tight end or receiver, extends his arm to hold off the player and wait for the back to make a decision. Very strong at the point of attack and gets through trash to find the ball inside. Gets outside more quickly than his timed speed indicates.

Pass defense: Recognizes routes when in the stack and usually makes the tackle in front of him, but lacks the speed to blow up plays before the catch. When playing on or close to the line he makes contact with tight ends or backs and is tough to discard for players without superior quickness. Often takes away check-down throws for quarterbacks. Good hands when in position to make an interception.

Tackling: Strong, secure tackler who brings a load on every play. Lacks the speed to track down ballcarriers before they get to the sideline but somehow wraps up the legs of players with hustle and taking the correct angle. Is always moving toward the ball no matter where the play occurs. Gets leverage to push piles inside to prevent extra yardage. Does not recover from cut blocks well and takes times to get going after contact. Will be eluded in space because of lacking change-of-direction agility.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Does not rush the passer often because of the need for his instincts in coverage and against the run. Does not own elite quickness off the edge. Unlikely to be a factor on third down but will get the chance to attack the line of scrimmage on run blitzes. Good hands to defeat lineman or cut blocks on the way to the ballcarrier.

Intangibles: Heady competitor who is as durable and hard-working as you'd like at the second level. Blue-collar, lunch-pail kind of player.