EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Year 2 is shaping up to be a big one for linebacker B.J. Goodson. He sees the way the New York Giants have navigated this offseason. He notices that last year’s starting middle linebacker, Kelvin Sheppard, remains unsigned.

Goodson has a golden opportunity sitting in front of him, regardless of what the Giants do in the draft. He knows it, and it’s one of the reasons that just weeks after a playoff loss to the Green Bay Packers, the second-year pro was back to work training for what he admits is a big season.

Goodson, last year’s fourth-round draft choice out of Clemson, started his grind almost immediately after the season ended. While most players wait until March to start working out, Goodson was back at it early in February. He was preparing for the grind, which starts Tuesday morning when players report for the first day of the Giants' offseason workout program.

“My purpose of doing that is we’re told to get away a little bit, enjoy yourself a little bit. For me, I know my body, and from a mental aspect, I was missing training for the game,” said Goodson, who played just 14 defensive snaps his rookie season. “So I decided to head on back to my trainer in South Carolina and go ahead and chomp away at it.”

B.J. Goodson played only 14 snaps on defense last season as a rookie, but he believes the Giants are planning for him to have an increased role at middle linebacker. Timothy T. Ludwig/USA TODAY Sports

Goodson went to work with trainer Joe Don Reaves at TNT Sports in Williamston, South Carolina. This is the same place he trained last year in preparation for the NFL combine and draft. Goodson’s concentration this year was on his hip mobility, footwork and what he called everyday linebacker stuff (hand placement, footwork, drops, change of direction). He even worked on making play calls by simulating defensive situations with the help of other NFL players.

The linebacker is anticipating an increased role this season, potentially as the starting middle linebacker.

“I definitely get that vibe and have that feeling,” Goodson said. “But that is what they brought me here for, to become an every-down force for them. I was able to come in and help out last year and I was able to make my presence felt a little bit last year. This year I’m looking forward to being an every-down force for the New York Giants.”

He will have to work his way into that role. It will have to be won in the spring and summer on the field.

While Goodson appears likely to supplant Sheppard as the starting middle linebacker in base formations, the Giants used recently re-signed Keenan Robinson and Jonathan Casillas in nickel formations. Devon Kennard served as the strongside linebacker and an occasional down lineman.

Casillas (72 percent) and Robinson (70 percent) played the most snaps among the Giants linebackers last season. Sheppard played 41 percent of the defensive snaps. At minimum, that's a good chunk of playing time within Goodson's reach.

Based on their actions, the Giants seem hopeful Goodson is ready. Even though he didn’t get on the field often defensively -- the coaches kept saying they wanted to use him in certain situations late in the season -- the Giants were impressed with what they saw in practices and behind closed doors. It reinforced the flashes that were on display throughout the summer and preseason.

“The expectations are high and they are looking forward to me taking that role,” was the feedback Goodson said he received during his exit interview after the season. “Just getting myself mentally prepared for that really, really was a big thing for this offseason.”

When coach Ben McAdoo was asked about middle linebacker at the NFL annual meeting, he started his answer with Goodson and Robinson. That appears to be the pre-draft plan.

Goodson, 23, feels that with a season under his belt, he’s ready for that bigger role. He feels he earned the trust of the coaches and players while handling play calls and checks for the second-team defense during practice last year.

But he still has to prove he can do it all on a consistent basis in game situations. That’s the goal this year.

“Definitely. I always feel [there is something to prove],” he said. “I feel like you would be cheating yourself if you didn’t feel that way. I definitely feel that way, especially given the predicament I’ve been in. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder.”

It could come in handy this spring and summer. The Giants have a key job available, and Goodson is the mix. Robinson is viewed primarily as a nickel 'backer. J.T. Thomas is returning from injury, and Mark Herzlich remains on the roster.

But Goodson has something the others don't: a blend of size, athleticism and physicality against the run, which could be even more valuable after the loss of defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins in free agency. He may be the only linebacker on the Giants roster capable of playing every down.

“I definitely see the opportunity,” Goodson said. “Just have to go out and get it.”