From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
Shaquill Griffin/CB UCF – 6’0/1 194
The Good
– Has triangle numbers, height/weight/speed (4.38 40) with good length (32 3/8 inches) and strong measurable across the board
– Fluid and does well in man coverage, able to stay in-phase
– Finishes plays and uses length well, excellent ball skills and ability to contest the football at catch points
– Physical, aggressive player who sticks his face in the fan as a tackler and against the run, willing to challenge pulling guards and sacrifice his body
– Some versatility, little bit of time in the slot and safety
The Bad
– Doesn’t always seem to play to elite timed speed and vulnerable to getting beat downfield
– Has to play cleaner as receiver tries to swap hips instead of jamming and bumping, causes him to get out of phase
– Needs to use leverage better along the sideline as a tackle, use it to his advantage and not allow cutback
– Starting experience is just average
Bio
– Two year starter, made two career starts at safety as a junior in 2015
– Career: 113 tackles, 6 INTs
– 2016: 49 tackles, 4 INTs
– Ran track all four years in high school in addition to football
– Twin brother started at linebacker this year at USF
Tape Breakdown
Griffin certainly turned heads after the Combine, turning in one of the best workouts of any defensive back. A 4.38 40, 38.5 inch vertical, and 11 foot broad jump. He was one of two cornerbacks to completely fit our study looking at cornerbacks, making him someone I wanted to check out.
As you’d imagine, he’s a strong athlete, an easy-mover who can sink his hips and change directions without any hint of stiffness. Suits him well in man coverage, being able to stay in-phase and he uses his length to be able to finish. Love this play, staying with this dig route and breaking it up at the catch point.
He’s a fiery tackler who will support the run. Love this play, taking on the Michigan puller and cutting him down. Doesn’t make the tackle but shows his attitude and demeanor, which the Steelers can certainly appreciate. Watch him, the right cornerback, flip #80.
But despite having an uber-athletic profile, I saw him beat deep twice in the three games I put on. He may not be quite as 4.38 fast but his technique needs work too, not trying to lean into and bump receivers off their stem and using his speed to get back in-phase.
Because he is such a hyper-athlete and tested so well, something so important for the position, I think he’ll get drafted than what most people think. A possible late Day three two pick. That may be high based on the tape I saw but there’s a fair bit of upside with him.
Projection: Late Day Two-Early Day Three
Games Watched: vs Arkansas State (2015), at Michigan,, at USF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QDnQtlld9U
