2018 NFL Draft: Shaquem Griffin is a legitimate NFL player

UCF Knights linebacker Shaquem Griffin is more than an inspiration. He’s one of the most impressive prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft.

The 2018 NFL Scouting Combine was one of the most eventful in recent history. It may not have been a record-breaking week for some, but it was a remarkable opportunity to watch and evaluate some of the most compelling players in the 2018 NFL Draft.

One could make a fair case that no prospect did more for their draft stock than UCF Knights linebacker Shaquem Griffin.

Griffin became an inspirational figure during the 2017 college football season. Playing for a UCF team that went 13-0 and defeated the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl, his story garnered national headlines and media attention.

For those unfamiliar: Griffin was born with amniotic band syndrome in his left hand, and at age four, had the extremity amputated.

In 2017, Griffin’s story became one of the most riveting aspects of a wild and unforgettable college football season. Unfortunately, the amputation of his left hand created the narrative that he wouldn’t be able to play in the NFL.

After his performance at the 2018 Scouting Combine, however, Griffin has firmly established himself as an NFL-caliber athlete.

Griffin was the star of the show at the Combine, due in large part to the fact that he ran the 40-yard dash in just 4.38 seconds. That was easily the fastest time by any linebacker in this draft class, as well as a better mark than those posted by all but one safety.

Griffin also pulled off an impressive 20 reps in the bench press—the seventh-most by a linebacker and more than all but five safeties.

If you’re wondering why I keep mentioning the safety position for a college linebacker, it’s because he’s versatile enough to play both positions. He has the build and athleticism to excel at safety, as well as the speed and fundamental tackling ability to do the same at linebacker.

One can see exactly that when his measurements are compared to the average NFL linebacker.

Compared to the average NFL safety, he’s an even more compelling fit.

Either way, Griffin is going to be drafted.

Griffin won the 2016 AAC Defensive Player of the Year award and was named to the All-Conference First Team in both 2016 and 2017. He was a second-team All-American in 2017, as well as the winner of the Senior CLASS Award.

For perspective: Some of the past winners of the Senior CLASS Award include Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, and Tim Tebow.

Griffin has excelled on the field, in the classroom, and as a leader of a championship-caliber locker room. He’s earned the respect of his peers and coaches, and after the Scouting Combine, has legitimized his NFL potential.

Griffin was viewed as a fringe pick before, but it’s now all but guaranteed that he’ll be selected come the 2018 NFL Draft.

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Shaquem Griffin is more than an inspirational story. In just under two months, he’ll be an NFL player.