Rookie Spotlight: Tyler Goodson, Iowa (Photo via Iowa Athletics)
Height: 5’ 9”
Weight: 197 lbs
Hands: 9”
Arm: 29 1/2”
40 yard dash: 4.42
Age: 21
NFL Comparison: Michael Carter, Anthony McFarland

College Production (Final Season)
52% team rushes
14% team receptions
32% total team yards
23% total team TDs

Pros
Quick feet
Accelerates quickly
More than adequate long speed
Experience as a workhorse
Shifty
Capable pass-catcher
Secure with the ball
Only 21 years old

Cons
Doesn’t power through tackles
Lacks short-yardage, goal line push
Indecisive too often
Inconsistent as a blocker

Scouting Notes:
A fast starter, Goodson was the first rookie RB in Iowa history to lead the team in rushing (134 att, 638 yards, 4.8 ypc, 5 TDs; 24 rec, 166 yards, 6.9 receiving in 13 games, 4 starts). That was as a committee back, and Goodson took over the lead role in 2021 to go on to more success (Just shy of 1,440 all-purpose yards and 7 TDs). Primarily a zone runner, Goodson utilizes his quick feet and suddenness to outmaneuver defenders at the first level. He tends to dance a bit much and can be indecisive, so that quickness is necessary for his success. Not much of an asset after contact, Goodson lacks toughness to power through tackles, but he does possess enough nifty spin moves and lateral agility to make a few guys miss. As a pass catcher, Goodson is very solid and can get even better with more usage. He has soft hands, is patient for his screens and ball security is not an issue for him. Goodson’s greatest obstacles are mainly artifacts of his smaller build. He doesn’t have the strength to break tackles consistently, He’s not a force at the goal line, and he comes off as an inconsistent blocking presence. This last area will have to be righted, as Goodson projects to be a 3rd down back and will have to be effective in pass protection. Overall, Goodson doesn’t look like a special player, but he’s not particularly bad in any one area. He can contribute in most aspects of the offense. He’s also shown that he can handle a lot of touches and not get hurt.

Fantasy Outlook:
Goodson hasn’t separated himself from the pack of backs behind the consensus top 5, but he has positive measurables from the Combine, and he has an impressive body of work at the college level. As a fantasy prospect, much of Goodson’s success will rely on where he lands after the draft. I see Goodson as mainly a complementary back who could work his way into a lead role, should he add some muscle and improve his blocking. It will be an uphill battle. His relative ineffectiveness at the goal line limits his upside though. Goodson is worth a flier pick in PPR heavy formats.