Dolphins pick California LB Cameron Goode with first of two seventh-rounders in NFL Draft
The Dolphins selected California outside linebacker Cameron Goode with the No. 224 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft on Saturday, using their first of two seventh-round picks to add depth to their pass rush.
The Miami Herald reported that Goode, 6-2 and 232 pounds, had a predraft visit with the Dolphins earlier in the month. Goode said he met with linebackers coach Anthony Campanile and new outside linebackers coach Ty McKenzie.
Goode recorded 45 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in the 2021 season, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. Goode, a five-year player, recorded 172 tackles and 20.5 sacks over his college career. Goode’s 20.5 sacks are 24th most in the conference since the Pac-10 became the Pac-12 in 2005.
Cameron’s father, James, played college football at Oklahoma and was a fifth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1991 Draft but did not play in the NFL. His uncle, Don, was a first-round pick of the San Diego Chargers in the 1974 Draft and played eight seasons.
“He’s always telling me about his experiences,” Cameron said of his father’s advice. “I just know it’s a mental battle and you always got to be mentally strong. It’s a long process. It’s a fight. Everybody is good, so things like that. Stay mentally in it and keep going really and just keep working.”
The Dolphins defense, which led the team’s 8-1 finish last season, recorded 48 sacks, which ranked tied for fifth in the league. The team returns Jaelan Phillips, who recorded 8.5 sacks as a rookie, and Andrew Van Ginkel, who recorded four sacks last season. The team also re-signed Brennan Scarlett, who appeared in 13 games and had four starts in 2021.
“I played in a 3-4 [defense in California],” Goode said. “I feel like I’ve been able to get my pass rush better throughout the years. I feel like I’m physical. I’m always going to be physical, setting the edge and things like that. I’m ready to get with Coach McKenzie and rush the passer and get all of that squared away and ball out.”
This story was originally published April 30, 2022 at 5:45 PM.
