LA Rams: Mid-round playmakers to consider in the 2018 NFL Draft

Shaquem Griffin, LB, UCF

Shaquem Griffin is a superstar in the making. He has become one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft, yet will likely still be available by the time the 2018 NFL Draft reaches round four.

Griffin has everything you want at the linebacker position. First and foremost, he is an insane athlete; he ran the fastest 40-yard dash by a linebacker since 2003 as well as hitting 20 reps on the bench press with a prosthetic hand. He has the football IQ and play recognition to play at the NFL level and, despite having just one hand, is a good open-field tackler.

However, it is the fact that Griffin has just one hand that will ultimately lower his draft stock on draft day. There are a ton of question marks around Griffin and whether or not his one hand can be masked on defense. It is safe to assume that smart head coaches in the NFL would find a way to expose that in Griffin’s game.

However, this is something Griffin has played football with his whole life and has excelled at doing so. He was doubted heading into college, yet won multiple accolades for UCF. Griffin has proven time and time again that having one hand does not hold him back, if anything, it only makes him work harder.

The LA Rams need help at the linebacker position. Getting Shaquem Griffin in the fourth-round would be an absolute steal. He would likely be an instant starter in the NFL and could bring the value of a second or even a first-round pick. Take the risk, LA.