A Chiefs fan’s guide to the NFL Draft: The Linebackers

Shaquem Griffin – Central Florida – 6’0″ – 227 pounds

At this point if you’ve been following the latest NFL draft coverage you have heard plenty about Central Florida’s Shaquem Griffin. His story is just too good to forget. The guy is a legit NFL prospect with one hand. If you haven’t read up on his life it is worth your time to do so and its just impossible not to pull for this guy to succeed in the NFL.

Now obviously a defensive player only having one hand does put him at a bit of a disadvantage but to this point Griffin has more than made up for that with effort and heart. There is almost an Eric Berry-esque motivational vibe coming off of Griffin. He’s just a guy you want on your team. Here’s a look at Griffin at the combine for those few of you that might have missed it.

So the question now becomes what can Griffin’s role be in the NFL? Put the hand issue aside, the real issue may be that Griffin was arguably at his best as an outside pass rusher in college but he’s only 6-foot and 227 pounds. He makes Dee Ford look bulky in comparison and that’s not a good thing for an NFL edge rusher. There just is no practical way to expect a guy that size with or without both hands to set the edge in the NFL. NFL teams are going to have to find a role for Griffin to play and if they can I have no doubt that with his work ethic and heart he’ll find a way to be successful.

While he may not be able to play the edge full time in the NFL I absolutely believe he could be successful as a situational pass rusher. Here is Griffin showing the moves and speed to take the tackle inside and get to the quarterback.

The athleticism and pursuit skills shown in the clip below make me think Griffin may be able to find some success as a sub package linebacker that is free to roam to the ball.

I think the Chiefs could find a way to use him as almost a safety/linebacker combo in the sub package similar to how they have used Eric Berry and Daniel Sorensen down in the box at times in the past. While I think he can be successful in that role his size limitations would make him a target to run at so it would likely need to be in clear passing situations. I also think he would be an absolute star on special teams. While I love Griffin and would be thrilled for him to be a Chief I think his role limitations make him a fourth or fifth round pick.

Finally, a linebacker that too many are overlooking as a pass rusher.