Seattle Seahawks: What role will Shaquem Griffin play?

The Seattle Seahawks are beginning to rebuild their defense, but what role will rookie Shaquem Griffin play?

In the fifth round, with the 141st overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected Shaquem Griffin from UCF. Griffin became a household name amongst football fans because he manages to play the game at a high level, but also is able to do so with only one hand.

When he was four years old, Griffin had his left hand amputated because of a disease called amniotic band syndrome. But that never slowed him down and he played a huge role in UCF’s 2017 undefeated season. Griffin’s play led the Seahawks to draft him, but exactly where does the versatile college linebacker fit in?

For starters, he’ll spend most of his time on special teams, just like many other mid-to-late-round draft selections. But his pure athleticism and play making ability will ensure that he sees some defensive snaps in his rookie season. The Seahawks defense is also very depleted and are going to likely rely a lot on rotating players into their lineup this year.

Griffin is only 6-0 and weighs 227 pounds, both of which are a little undersized for an NFL linebacker. During the week leading up to the Senior Bowl in January, Griffin took reps at nearly every defensive position. He performed well in all of the areas, showing his coverage skills in the secondary and even a solid pass rush game.

With former Pro Bowl safety Kam Chancellor likely out for the 2018 season with a neck injury, there has to be some thought of getting Griffin some snaps at safety. He’s actually three inches shorter than Chancellor, but they’re about the same wight. Of course, he will also likely see some linebacker snaps. After all, that is the position he played in college and the position he entered the Combine at.

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His positioning and play time will really rely on how he performs in the rest of the offseason and preseason. Griffin has always been a hard worker — that’s why he’s made it this far — and it is doubtful he’ll start slacking off now. Should he prove himself in the locker room and then on special teams, he’ll see playing time come his way quickly and in many different defensive packages.