Buffalo Bills: The ideal haul in the 2018 NFL Draft
Round 5
166. Shaquem Griffin/Linebacker/UCF
Shaq Griffin is far more than just a great story. Despite having one hand, he is an extremely talented player with size, speed and power. He was a key part of an undefeated season by the UCF Knights.
At the combine, Griffin ran a 4.38 40-yard dash time and bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times.
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Combining that size and speed together makes him a dangerous pass rusher, but also someone that can drop in coverage and stick with running backs. Either way, the Bills could use someone with his skillset.
Not only do Griffin’s numbers and results at the combine stand out, but the type of person he is and the perseverance he has shown seems like something that would fit extremely well with Beane and McDermott.
To get where Griffin has gotten despite his obvious limitations and have the success he has shown the dedication he has to the game and how working he is – two things that Sean McDermott loves.
The team still needs linebackers even though I have them taking Vander Esch at No. 22 in my perfect scenario. With Griffin’s raw ability, he can be coached into whatever the team needs him to be. Allowing him to learn from a player like Lorenzo Alexander and giving him time to develop can be extremely beneficial to Griffin and the long-term status of our linebacking corps.
I firmly believe if Griffin had two hands he would be at worst a second-round pick. Being able to pick him up in the fifth is a steal for the Bills and they add someone with real talent and a wealth of determination. He would fit right in with this team and community.