NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft

NFL Draft: Re-drafting every first-round pick from 2017 NFL Draft: 21, DB Shaquill Griffin

Originally selected 90th overall (+69)

Teams were hesitant to give Shaquill Griffin a chance. Despite dominating at the University of Central Florida, Griffin was viewed as somewhat of a liability due to having only one hand. At the age of four, Griffin had his left hand amputated due to a congenital condition called amniotic band syndrome.

That of course, never slowed him down as he dominated in high school, college and now the pros.

After defending 15 passes, registering 59 combined tackles, snagging an interception and a sack during his rookie year – Griffin was in contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year. He’s consistently put up similar numbers throughout his career and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2019. It might be early in his career, but Griffin is one of the best defensive backs in the league now and defense is something the Lions have been lacking for well over a decade. In short, they should have taken him with this pick in 2017.

While great players such as Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson have all donned the Detroit baby blue, none have produced any long-lasting results. The defense, or, lack thereof can be viewed as the culprit. Griffin is good enough to anchor a defense and help push a team over the playoff hump. Even one as bad as the Detroit Lions.