Jacksonville Jaguars named as a team with continual talks with linebacker Shaquem Griffin

Are the Jacksonville Jaguars zeroing in on selecting Shaquem Griffin in the NFL draft?

If you still don’t know Shaquem Griffin’s story by now, it is definitely one to familiarize yourself with. Griffin lost his hand at the age of four, but did not let that adversity keep him from chasing his football dream. Griffin spent his college career at UCF, and accumulated 122 tackles and 18.5 sacks. The linebacker was a major catalyst behind the Knights’ undefeated, Peach Bowl champion season in 2017.

After concluding his collegiate career, Griffin was initially snubbed of an invite to the NFL scouting combine, but again persevered, and received an invitation after playing in the Senior Bowl. At the combine, Griffin put together one of the best overall performances at the event. Griffin did 20 reps on the bench press, and ran a blazing 4.38 forty.

After UCF’s pro day on Thursday, Griffin mentioned the Jacksonville Jaguars as one of the teams who spoke to him about playing linebacker. But the two sides communicating was not just at the pro day, as Griffin also pointed out that the Jaguars met with the prospect at the combine, and had several talks at the Senior Bowl:

Jacksonville has a void to fill on defense at linebacker, and it appears the team is doing extensive homework on the UCF backer. Griffin has mostly been labeled as a mid-round selection, and has even been linked to the Jaguars in various mock drafts.

Personally, I think Griffin would be a valuable addition to the defense. Jacksonville needs restrengthening at linebacker, notably on the outside. Plugging Myles Jack in at middle linebacker, and having the speed of both Telvin Smith and Shaquem Griffin on the outside has the makings of a formidable linebacker group.