Would you draft Shaquem Griffin?

[Skack25]

16 hours ago, The Huddler said:

I just dont know how you will play in the NFL with one hand. 

 

Pass

People play with those club casts on all the time.  Not a necessity at his position IMHO.

[section543]

15 hours ago, XOBlackxJokerOX said:

In the highlights I've seen of his tackling, he tends to perform "form" tackles. So the arm tackling worry should be put to bed. He played and had success at high level talent in college ball. I wouldn't mind giving him a shot in the later rounds, if he falls that far. We do have more pressing needs than LB at the moment though. So if the opportunity is there, cool but if a better player in a position of need is there, we can't overlook them.

agree. If he's available in rd 4 or even 5 (which I doubt) he'd be BPA and easily replace any of our ST stiffs.

[UpstatePanther]

his bench press video was inspirational. I would certainly take him in the mid rounds if hes there. no more risk than any other pick at that point, and he seems like a good kid with the right fire and attitude

[LinvilleGorge]

This safety talk is intriguing. If you watch him play, he really does struggle to get off of blocks. When he's blitzing, he either wins immediately with speed or a spin or he gets engulfed. He's really at his best playing in space. Safety... hmmm.

[toldozer]

5 hours ago, LinvilleGorge said:

This safety talk is intriguing. If you watch him play, he really does struggle to get off of blocks. When he's blitzing, he either wins immediately with speed or a spin or he gets engulfed. He's really at his best playing in space. Safety... hmmm.

 Was that mine or nfln?  My thought always has been he couldn't be an nfl linebacker.  With that speed though,  safety is in play.  Keep him clean,  use him occasionally on the blitz.  Taking on offensive linemen in the "muck" will not go well for him,  get him in space though and he can be successful.  Tackling,  pbu's and the emotion he would give a team if he does force a turnover... the motivation he should bring to a team alone is worth our second 3rd round pick.  You think Cam's not getting 6 if that dude gets an interception? 

[Mr. Scot]

I have to admit to one somewhat morbid curiosity.

Wonder what damage it would do if he punched somebody with that hand.

[ladypanther]

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article203607894.html

 

Quote

 

Griffin is versatile, with experience at linebacker, safety and defensive end, and could also be a star on special teams. The Panthers hold all those qualities dear. Colin Jones, a roster constant because of his versatility and special teams prowess, will turn 31 in the fall, and it could be time to find his replacement.

Coupling Griffin’s size and speed with his experience at linebacker means he can rotate in with Shaq Thompson in Carolina’s popular big-nickel (Buffalo) package. Thompson is expected to see more snaps this year as a traditional linebacker with veteran Thomas Davis in his final season, and having depth such as Griffin can only be an asset.

Plus, allowing him to be a situational weapon might ease some of the potential concerns a coach could have about Griffin’s lack of left hand, such as whether he can shed blocks consistently. Allowing him to explore his potential at safety would also help.

Meanwhile, his work ethic is apparent. Griffin penned a beautiful letter to NFL general managers via The Players’ Tribune last week that illustrated how he never gave up on his dream of playing football despite the roadblocks his disability created

 

Quote

 

Rivera emphasized last week his desire to find young and immediate leadership in the defensive backs room to replace the attitude Coleman brought.

Griffin could be that guy. Not only could he make a difference on the field, he would be a tangible everyday reminder of what it takes to be in an NFL locker room, and how persistance and hard work can pay off.

A player like that sounds perfect for a team whose motto is “Keep Pounding.”

 

 

[stratopanther]

I could see TD and Luke really taking to the kid. I wouldnt be mad at it but another team will overdraft him.

[LinvilleGorge]

I think the guy might be able to play SS...

https://247sports.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/Bolt/NFL-2018-Combine-Shaquem-Griffin-shows-off-coverage-skills-in-LB-drills--115840580

He'd probably have to spend a year of primarily playing special teams as he learned the role and the defense, but I think he might be able to do it. Maybe with a goal to come in about 10 pounds lighter to camp. I wouldn't be surprised if he weighed in at 227 trying to come in as heavy as possible.

[Adb6368]

I was going to start my own thread on him but saw this was already started... I originally had no interest in him and thought he was a media hype machine a la The Golden Calf of Bristol. However, the more I read about him the more I want him, A LOT. Dude is going to sit in the green room for the draft although he has no chance of being drafted day 1. He has absolute blazing speed. I have no doubt he will outwork every other person in the locker room. At worst, he is our backup LB for years and a standout ST player. I'd consider him with our later 3rd rd pick knowing we don't have a 4th and absolutely draft him in the 5th if still there.

[KendrickPanther]

Can he get a Winter Soldier hand? If yes, then yes.

[MHS831]

Move to SS--see his combine numbers.

[TheMaulClaw]

Wouldn't hesitate with a 7th or as an UDFA. Great story...but on the field it's natural selection.  Right, wrong, or indifferent.

[toldozer]

1 minute ago, TheMaulClaw said:

Wouldn't hesitate with a 7th or as an UDFA. Great story...but on the field it's natural selection.  Right, wrong, or indifferent.

Have you watched him play?