Seahawks: Bold Predictions for Each 2017 Draftee
By Ben Renner
Shaquill Griffin wins the second CB job, and keeps it
Shaquill Griffin has the size and strength to play in Kris Richard‘s defensive system for Seattle. His physical attributes make him an excellent recruit for Pete Carroll’s Defensive Back Academy. With nominal starter Deshawn Shead likely to be out Week One, competition for that second cornerback job is wide open.
Even with Shead out and Jeremy Lane ranked 104th out of 120 qualified corners last year, according to PFF’s pricey rankings, Griffin will face stiff competition for the role of Richard Sherman‘s running mate on the starting defense.
The Seahawks re-signed Neiko Thorpe to add to the frenzy, and they could add another veteran corner to the fray before Training Camp. Griffin will of course have to prove he can hang with established NFL players on the practice field. Maybe a few isolations against Doug Baldwin can help him learn quickly.
If Griffin is a quick study under Carroll and company, he’ll have the opportunity to play every game at the least, and become a starter at most. If he attacks the line of scrimmage in run support the way he did in college, he’ll have a special place in Carroll’s heart from the start. My bold prediction: he seizes the starting cornerback job across from Sherm and doesn’t let go.