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Preseason Profile: Travis Goethel, LB

Travis Goethel #50


College: Arizona St.
Height: 6'2½"
Weight: 240 lbs
Arm Length: 32.0"
Hand Size 9.6"

 

40 Yard Dash: 4.81
3 Cone Drill: 6.93
20 Yard Shuttle: 4.54
Bench Press: 21 reps
Vertical Jump: 35"
Broad Jump: 111"

 

Travis Goethel was selected in the 6th round in the 2010 draft. He was initially thought to be one of those late round steals after making some significant noise in training camp, but a lower back injury limited him severely his first season with the Raiders. He saw action in just 8 games his rookie season, most of which was on special teams. After showing signs of promise his rookie year before the injury, many were excited to see what Goethel had to offer in his second season with a clean bill of health. He burst onto the scene again in 2011, drawing rave reviews in training camp from the coaches, and was in line to start at weak side linebacker. Fans again began to hope Goethel would emerge into a late round steal for the Raiders only to have history repeat itself in the form of a torn ACL that caused Goethel to miss the entire 2011 season.

Travis Goethel now finds himself losing traction. Another major injury, and it will more than likely end his stint in Oakland. However, Goethel still has enough talent to make a real impact on the 2012 defense. He is a very versatile player, that can fill any one of the linebacker spots in a 4-3 and could probably play inside in the 3-4. With the legal troubles of Rolando McClain and the history of good training camps from Goethel, don't sleep on the possibility of him still earning a starting spot. Of course, before Goethel can begin thinking about earning a starting spot, he will have to defeat his biggest enemy which is the injury bug.

It is also worth mentioning that Goethel was a favorite of the old coaching staff in Oakland. With the new regime taking over, his previous training camp performances are irrelevant and he no longer has ties to anyone. If he has another strong camp and impresses coaches again this year, it's a good indication that Travis Goethel has some real talent on the football field.

Will Goethel finally hold up long enough to establish himself or will he become the "Chaz Schilens" of the Raiders defense?
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