Goethel was a productive, three-year starter for the Sun Devils. He has a good combination of size and strength with above-average athleticism. He is a very instinctive player who is quick to react as plays unfold. Goethel is a tough, hard-nosed defender who attacks downhill with purpose but lacks great pop and power on contact. He can be solid in zone coverage but doesn't have great burst and quickness to be effective in pure zone schemes. Goethel is likely to contribute on special teams as well as giving depth at the linebacker position at the next level.

Goethel is tall with a muscular build. Heady player who reads his keys and locates the ball quickly. Shows proper footwork, fights through traffic and fills with a low center of gravity. Recognizes route progression and is effective sniffing out underneath routes. Tough kid who fights to the whistle.

Does not have the speed to make plays all over the field and lacks the fluidity to stick with receivers in man coverage. Sloppy hand use prevents him from consistently shedding blocks, and he can get engulfed by bigger blockers. Does not deliver big shots and struggles to make tackles in space.