Who we're scouting

Michael Griffin #3 ranked safety

Strengths: Shows the ability to change directions quickly, explodes out of cuts and has good short-area man-to-man cover skills. Possesses good top-end speed, has long arms and can cover the deep middle of the field when he makes the right reads. Is tall, has good leaping ability and flashes the ability to catch the ball at its highest point. Possesses decent ball skills and is capable of making some big plays in coverage. He fills hard versus the run, possesses excellent closing speed for the position and can be an explosive open-field tackler capable of knocking the ball loose. Plays with a good motor, is willing in run support and always seems to be around the ball at the end of the play. Has blocked six kicks, can cover kicks and should make an immediate impact on special teams.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite size, doesn't have great lower-body strength and is vulnerable to getting engulfed when he lines up in the box. He can be over-aggressive at times and will get caught peeking in the backfield. He over-pursues at times and will get caught out of position as a tackler on occasion. He will take some false steps and needs to be coached to improve his recognition skills. Though durability isn't a substantial concern, he has been slowed by injuries at times.

Overall: Griffin saw action in 12 games (two starts; nickel package) during his true freshman season in 2003 as the backup strong safety registering 65 total tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass-breakups, three forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. In 2004, he played in all 12 games (one start) finishing the year with 49 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, three pass-breakups, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two blocked kicks. Griffin started 12 of 13 games at strong safety in 2005 and recorded 124 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, eight pass-breakups, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and four blocked kicks. In 2006 he started all 13 games at free safety, registering 126 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 10 pass-breakups, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, two blocked kicks, and four interceptions. Griffin was named a second team All-American (media) and a first team All-Big 12 (media and coaches) performer.
Griffin doesn't have elite size and he needs to improve his consistency as a tackler. However, he has the frame to get bigger, he is extremely "coachable" and he always seems to be in on big plays. Griffin is a relentless run supporter, he displays very good range in deep coverage and he is one of the best special team's players in the 2007 draft class. If coached properly, Griffin has the physical tools to emerge as an upper-echelon starting free safety in the NFL. That's why, despite a sub-par senior season, we believe Griffin warrants consideration early in the second round.

 

If you have any other names throw the out there.

All info per ESPN Insider

 

Keep in mind these guys are only aware of a small percentage of the guys we interviewed. Usually they get that info from the players. Also keep in mind that they interview everyone they can that they're even the slightest bit interested in at this point.

Still, its fun.

TFY has some more names. I'll post them later, when its complete. It seems like we're interviewing lots of QBs. Not Troy Smith that anyone's said, though. I think more midrounders, except for that very public interview (thank to to Weis) of Quinn.

 

Who was it (Marshall, maybe?) that said he was totally surprised and that we'd never (or barely) talked to him? I don't know how much this means, but I'm glad to get familiar with the candidates.

And QB's, I would be surprised if we don't draft someone pretty high in this draft or the next one.

 

magnus says that, not me. Please don't confuse the two of us.


In any case, I say no to Stanton but Irons would make a good fourth corner in the middle rounds as long as we get a returner elsewhere. He and Griffin (who would be a legitimate second round target) are performing well at the Senior Bowl according to SI. Hopefully we're smarter than the anonymous Cincinnati idiot who also told SI that Troy Smith shouldn't make it in the NFL.

 

Staton is too hot and cold for my taste, he gets rattled to easily and has a tendency to have periods of great production to start a season then lulls into suckitude.

 

some guy on rotoworld...

There is some talk around the Senior Bowl that Panthers representatives showed a special interest in Quinn when he made his surprise appearance on Monday. John Fox and Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis go way back and Carolina may be looking for 31-year-old Jake Delhomme's successor. Delhomme struggled in 2006, so Quinn could be starting by mid-season if Delhomme falters again, and the Panthers trade up in the first round. Currently holding the No. 14 overall pick, Carolina would likely have to shop a Kris Jenkins or a Chris Gamble to move up the board, possibly dangling Gamble and their pick to Detroit at No. 2. Despite a rough Sugar Bowl, I can't see Quinn falling past Miami at No. 9.

 

Not much chance, IMO. Maybe if he fell to 14 we might but even then I doubt it.

 

I've been watching Staley in Senior Bowl practices this week. IMHO, he's a project -- a good 2, probably 3 years away from competing for a starting LT position.

Mike Mayock has been blasting Marcus McCauley (CB, Fresno St.) all week. Personally I don't think he's looked that bad, but Mayock is saying he's completely lost is confidence. We'll see what he does in the game tomorrow.

Stanton, from what I can tell, seems to be the favorite and most productive QB in practice. Gruden has said some very nice things about Troy Smith, despite his short stature.

Griffin hasn't looked all that good in practice from what I've been able to tell, but I'll be watching him closely in the game. Honestly, they haven't put the safeties through too much, and most of what they're airing seems to be CB drills, which safeties won't look as good in anyway.

 

If someone was willing to part with a Top 5 pick for #14 and Gamble, Id be all over it, youd be a fool not to.