DJ I know he makes plays, but he makes next to none while engaged with blocking and I look for LB'ers abilities to disengage, especially ILB'ers...he struggles with it which is a fact. Tell me how often does an inside backer get no engagement with big offensive lineman?
Until he proves he can do it he won't be in base defense...maybe some nickel defense, but he's a liability against the run, and imho until he fixes that my instincts and understanding of the game tells me he's depth and specials. He won't be roaming with out blockers as an LIB in the NFL.
Not sure I care what you think of my recognition skills, but my feeling is that he won't make an impact the way you think he will until he proves he can fight through blocks, disengage and let his extreme athleticism and plus instincts take over.
I haven't said he was terrible or doesn't make plays.....he does, a lot, with out engagement from blocking. That's my concern for this particular extraordinary football player, and all other inside backers no matter their athletic ability if they can't do it, disengage, they will not make the impact plays, because they won't be trusted to make plays which leads to my prognosis of him being depth and specials due to his athletic abilities and his vision.
I meant no disrespect when I said that, I apologize if it came off that way, I understand your point..but check this out, Roquon Smith is a fine linebacker prospect, who struggles to take on blocks and disengage..he's still going top 20.
Griffin did not play on the inside unless he was blitzing the gaps, he's a space player who can drop with good technique, or rush the passer, cover the flat with explosive speed or drop and cover the tight end..He's an off the ball linebacker with hi end pass rush skills..Not a mike.
I understand there might be some issues with tackling and making an Int when it presents itself, but the hi end instincts and versatility, alongside elite speed and hunger, combined with impact in the locker room and teammates, give him a 2nd day grade imo..I will live with a few missed tackles because I know he knows how to get his body into position to make plays, He's a disrupter of offense, an iniatiater if you will..
lets remember, this kid didn't start til later in his college career, just started rushing the passer in his last, but man, the instincts are hi-level stuff, so he's gonna learn the NFL game quickly, and he will adjust..and remember, he has a trait that only a few have, and thats what I call counter athleticism, which is the ability to react spontaneously to an offensive players move to escape..I know it when I see and it always translates..
sometimes certain players are worth the risk..