Everson Griffen

[WaterfallJumper]

After the show Griffen put on at the combine, I went back and reviewed some of his games, and was surprised by what I saw. For some reason I didn't think he had the length, strength at the POA, or agility to play OLB for us (still scared because of our good buddy, Vernon the Jet-setting bust), but I've changed my mind. In fact, I think he's the best combination of size, burst, fluidity, and power that we'll find in this year's draft. He's only 6'3 (and 5/8 according to some sites), so he doesn't quite hit the magical 6'4 mark, but at 275 he's got great bulk. Check out his ability to set the edge, stack and shed, drop into coverage, rush the passer, and generally line up in a variety of positions (both DE and stand-up OLB on the right and left side of the line). This video from Universal Draft does an exceptional job breaking down Griffen's game.

Some may question his attitude/work ethic, but he's grown up a lot this year from what I can gather. Also, there's no shame in losing his starting job to Clay Matthews last year--and it speaks to his talent that they battled back and forth for the position. I'll take a guy any day who seems to have more talent than a pro-bowler, and just needed time to mature before he could put it all together.

YouTube - Universal Draft Presents DE Everson Griffen of USC

YouTube - USC DE #93 Everson Griffen Highlights 2009


Right now I'd take him at 22 without hesitation if he lasts that long. Thoughts?

 

[VJCPatriot]

I like Griffen. He has tremendous athleticism and mobility for a man of his size. I think if he's there in the second round, he's an excellent pick. I'm not sure if I'm sold on him as a 1st rounder because of his inconsistency. I would project him to playing the elephant back role.

 

[Marqui]

I like Griffen. He has tremendous athleticism and mobility for a man of his size. I think if he's there in the second round, he's an excellent pick. I'm not sure if I'm sold on him as a 1st rounder because of his inconsistency. I would project him to playing the elephant back role.

Agreed. His inconsistency and underproduction keeps him being from a good first round pick in my mind. Might be a good second rounder though.

 

[BritPat]

Don't rate him. He's like Dunlap without the insane physical attributes and ability in my eyes.

I'd happily pass him over.

 

[dryheat44]

I think he's a pure 4-3 DE.

 

[Charles Barwin]

I think he's very intruiging. Amazing that either Griffen or Dunlap could still be there at the end of round 1 if we were to trade down.

Griffen has clearly worked hard on his physique, posting more reps than any other DE. Best case scenerio, he was a coddled child prodigy who just wasn't equipped to handle criticism well as a Fr/So, and lost his spot to a pro-bowl talent in Mathews. He's could be a lot more mature now.

He seems a bit arrogant in interviews, but he'll probably be a hell of a player.

3/4 capable for sure, and a way better edge setter/block shedder than Hughes or Kindle, it would seem.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I think he's a pure 4-3 DE.

I agree 100%. I don't have have him on my Pats type players draft board.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

I agree 100%. I don't have have him on my Pats type players draft board.

Huh. Interesting. Could you please explain why? I respect your football knowledge, and you've been around the game longer than I have. What am I missing, and how do I improve my (admittedly) amateur scouting? Thanks.

 

[WhiZa]

I like him at 22, and picked him in the latest draft game. We know he can play 4-3 DE and produce. He is probably an upgrade over Burgess, and with his athletic ability he could learn to play OLB. I suspect we will be playing a lot more 4-3 next year anyway.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

I like him at 22. VJC kind of got me interested in him and then after the combine and the universal draft video I started to like him even more. He's a great fit at SOLB due to his stack&shed ability. A guy like Kindle, Sapp, or Hughes would be better fits on the weakside where they can use their speed/explosion.

Uncle Heatster, interested to hear you only see him as a 4-3 DE. I know a lot of people have said the consider Morgan strictly a 4-3 DE, but you said you thought he could play OLB. What's the difference in your eyes between Morgan and Griffen? Why would Morgan be a better fit than Griffen in your opinion?

 

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I've liked Griffen for a while, and I see him as one of a few different candidates to fill the Elephant position that we really have not properly filled since Willie Mac left. He seems to be a good athlete, and a little more versatile than I would have thought. He can improve in his pass coverage, but it could be a whole lot worse at this stage...although it is troubling to see him turn his back on the line of scrimmage in zone, which he does about half the time. Don't get all turned around Everson!

 

[chevss454]

I think he's a pure 4-3 DE.

2010 NFL Draft: DE Scouting Reports

3. Everson Griffen, USC (6-3/270)
Griffen is a tough guy to evaluate. There are plays that make you think Top 10 talent, but there is lots of tape with Griffen loafing and getting dominated. Griffen is a versatile prospect though, having the skills to play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB, as he has great agility, balance and speed. He will need some coaching wherever he plays, as he doesn't read plays very well yet.

Pros: Athleticism, Speed, Agility
Cons: Motor, Awareness
Verdict: 1st Round

 

[dryheat44]

2010 NFL Draft: DE Scouting Reports

3. Everson Griffen, USC (6-3/270)
Griffen is a tough guy to evaluate. There are plays that make you think Top 10 talent, but there is lots of tape with Griffen loafing and getting dominated. Griffen is a versatile prospect though, having the skills to play 4-3 DE or 3-4 OLB, as he has great agility, balance and speed. He will need some coaching wherever he plays, as he doesn't read plays very well yet.

Pros: Athleticism, Speed, Agility
Cons: Motor, Awareness
Verdict: 1st Round

I would not call his agility or balance "great" by any stretch. In fact, I think his balance and change-of-direction on the field is closer to "poor". I think his football instincts are below average-to-poor, making a lot of bad reads and bad first reactions/steps. Misdirection plays seem to fool him almost every time. If there's a Vernon Gholston in this draft (I was higher than most on Gholston, BTW), Griffen may be it.

I see him as a guy who needs to be moving forward at all times to be effective.

 

[WhiZa]

I would not call his agility or balance "great" by any stretch. In fact, I think his balance and change-of-direction on the field is closer to "poor". I think his football instincts are below average-to-poor, making a lot of bad reads and bad first reactions/steps. Misdirection plays seem to fool him almost every time. If there's a Vernon Gholston in this draft (I was higher than most on Gholston, BTW), Griffen may be it.

I see him as a guy who needs to be moving forward at all times to be effective.

You don't see JPP as this year's Gholston? With Griffen I think most teams know he needs to start on the line and work his way back. Gholston was thrown into OLB from day 1

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

You don't see JPP as this year's Gholston? With Griffen I think most teams know he needs to start on the line and work his way back. Gholston was thrown into OLB from day 1

I agree I see JPP as more of a Gholston than Griffen. I think Griffen is a football player, I don't know that about JPP. JPP is a physical specimen and an athlete like Gholston, but can he make the transition and play football in the NFL unlike Gholston so far?