As UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin makes the jump to the pros in the 2018 NFL Draft, which teams would he fit best with?
Former UCF linebacker Shaquem Griffin has dominated the pre-draft process the same way he dominated the AAC over the past two seasons. Griffin’s story has made him a sports media sensation in a way that has never been seen before. What he’s been able to do with one hand shouldn’t fall by the wayside, but it pales in comparison to who he is as a player entering the 2018 NFL Draft.
As a starting outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense under former UCF head coach Scott Frost, Griffin was a beast. He won AAC First Team honors after a dominating 2016 seasons where he lived in the backfield with 20 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He followed that season with another seven sacks and 13 tackles for loss with a dominant performance in the Peach Bowl against Auburn to close out his illustrious college career.
Unfortunately for the hardworking fifth-year senior, his play wasn’t enough to warrant a combine invite. However, Griffin did get invited to the Senior Bowl where he stole the show and shifted focus away from his childhood deformity to his on-field play. His performance at the Senior Bowl got him an invite to the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. There, he put on a clinic excelling in drills after running a jaw-dropping 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at 227 pounds. Now, just a few days after his dominating performance he’s the subject of many conversations.
The question still remains: Where will he go? None of the NFL draft media specialists have him ranked as a top outside linebacker and no one sees him being drafted relevantly early. With his game film, heart, and alluring athleticism — Shaquem Griffin should hear his name called with the first two days of the draft.
Here are some teams that are perfect fits for the talented former UCF Knight.