Travis Goethal is starting to look like the defensive version of Chaz Schilens. Like Schilens, Goethel is a late round draft pick that has made a serious push for a starting role despite his status as a late round pick. Unfortunately, also like Schilens, Goethel has been unable to live p to his potential and secure a starting role due to injuries.
Last year, Goethel was very impressive in the preseason and looked like he was in line to get serious playing time as a rookie. However, the Raiders were not able to get a very good look at Goethel his rookie year because he suffered a back injury that kept him off the field for half of the season.
This preseason, a healthy Goethel was once again making an impression on the Raiders coaching staff. Goethel is a natural middle linebacker, but has been so impressive, the Raiders have considered playing him at outside linebacker opposite Kamerion Wimbley.
Once again, just as it looked like Goethel was ready to snatch the starting outside linebacker job from Quentin Groves, disaster struck. Last night, news came out that Goethel would miss the entire 2011 season with a knee injury suffered in practice this week.
While most in the NFL may not know who Goethel is, any Raiders fan can tell you that this is a big loss for the team.