Raiders Draft LB Goethel in 6th Round

Goethel was the only Sun Devil who ranked on in ESPN’s post-season list of the Pac-10’s top-30 players. He wasn’t flashy but, playing on a unit that ranked first in the Pac-10 in total defense (297.8 yards per game) and second in scoring defense (21.1 points per game), he tied for the team lead with seven tackles for loss and ranked third in total tackles with 57. He also was particularly effective at neutralizing an opposing tight end.

Goethel is a smart and instinctive player who is a heavy hitter and brings it on every play and is considered an over achiever that has a real mean streak in his attitude. He is very limited athletically and doesn’t possess the speed (4.70) to be an elite player at the next level.  His ability in coverage is very questionable and he may never really be a good fit in the middle. He might stick on the roster if a coach falls in love with his try hard over-achiever ways.

This move further hints at the Raiders using a 3-4 scheme this year; or at least some kind of 4-3/3-4 hybrid defense. This whole draft will have everybody talking 3-4 in Oakland this year. Again, this pick puzzles me, but I don’t make the picks, I just report them.