Cleveland Browns: Addressing Shaquem Griffin’s incredible Combine
Former UCF linebacker and the NFL Draft’s feel-good story of the year, Shaquem Griffin, performed incredibly well at the Scouting Combine on Sunday. Should the Browns be taking a flyer on Griffin in the draft?
Shaquem Griffin is one of the most phenomenal stories to come through the football world in quite some time. He lost his hand at the age of four due to a birth condition. All his life, people told Griffin that he would never “make it” in football. Well, he just lit the NFL Scouting Combine on fire.
What’s amazing about Griffin’s performance at the Combine is that, well, he wasn’t even supposed to be there. Originally, the NFL did not even invite Griffin to the Combine. But, after a solid Senior Bowl performance, the NFL knew they had to send him an invitation to showcase his skills
Griffin’s work ethic, combined with his integrity and sheer determination, earned him the right to compete and work out at the Combine. However, not many expected Griffin to absolutely dominate in the way that he did.
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Griffin produced at the Scouting Combine just like he did throughout his career with UCF. At a blazing 4.38 seconds, his 40-yard dash was the fastest from a linebacker since 2003. But, the eye-popping numbers did not stop there.
On the bench press, with a prosthetic hand on his left arm, Griffin put up 20 reps. With a 9-foot-9 broad jump, he showed supreme athletic ability throughout. His technique is stellar, and when paired with his speed and athleticism, Griffin has incredible potential.
So, should the Browns be taking a chance on Griffin? Yes. Absolutely, yes.
After this Scouting Combine performance, one thing has become crystal clear; Griffin’s floor, not his ceiling, is as a special teams ace. He has a chance, as a mid-round pick, to be a nice player at the next level.
Physically, Griffin might be limited with no left hand and a smaller stature (6-foot-1). However, he is supremely determined, quick, athletic, and disciplined.
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Shaquem Griffin is a culture changer that will make some great plays at the next level. The Browns simply must take a flyer on him in the 2018 NFL Draft. He deserves, and has earned, the chance to play in the National Football League.