According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Indianapolis Colts have a visit scheduled with University of Central Florida cornerback Shaquill Griffin on Thursday.
The 6’0″, 194 pound cornerback has been rising up draft boards–having a posted a blistering fast 4.38 forty time, as well as a 38.5 inch vertical jump at the NFL Combine:
UCF CB Shaquill Griffin, he of the 4.38 40 time, visiting OAK today, IND tomorrow. Could be top 100 - higher than previous projections.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 12, 2017
Of course, Griffin has the production to match too, as he finished his senior season with 50 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions (team high) in 13 games–only allowing 39.7% of passes thrown into his coverage to be caught.
As a result of his exceptional play, Griffin earned 2nd-Team All-Conference honors.
Perhaps, the brightest thing about Griffin is the story of how he and his brother got to the cusp of breaking into professional football–namely by sticking together (via NFL.com):
"“When he was 13, he (Shaquill) promised his twin brother, Shaquem, who had his left hand completely removed at the age of 4 because of amniotic band syndrome, that he would not play football for a college that did not offer both of them scholarships. Three years later, Shaquill told Miami, his dream school, that he would not go there for this reason.”“Last season, Shaquill led the Knights in interceptions with four. Shaquem, a converted linebacker who has one year of eligibility remaining, led the team in sacks with 11.5. And the brothers’ star continued to rise, with ESPN dedicating a feature to their inspirational journey.”"
Here’s his NFL.com Draft Profile:
"NFL COMPARISON: Ladarius GunterBOTTOM LINE: Griffin plays the game with an aggressive tilt both in coverage and in his run support. Griffin has good ball skills with a closing burst to challenge throws, but his anticipation is just average and he may not be able to play off of receivers and still be as effective with his ball production. Because he lacks long speed but is an effective tackler, he could be targeted by a defense favoring Cover-2 coverage."
It’s worth noting that Griffin is represented by local Indianapolis professional sports agents Buddy Baker and Matthew Pope of Exclusive Sports Group, who also represent current Colts tight end Jack Doyle.
Of course, the Colts could clearly use cornerback help on the other side of Vontae Davis going forward.
While veteran Darius Butler was re-signed, he’s expected to play predominantly at safety this year, and he’s better suited in the slot regardless.
The Colts already released last season’s starting cornerback, Patrick Robinson, meaning that the team could be scouting the market for a player in the early rounds of the NFL Draft to start on the outside.
Next: Western Michigan Pass Rusher Keion Adams to Visit Colts
Along with pass rush, cornerback is arguably the biggest need on the team, as we quickly approach this year’s NFL Draft.
Griffin is widely projected to be a mid-round pick, so from that standpoint, he makes sense for the Colts as the team looks to upgrade their secondary for next season.