I think at 12, Miami's biggest need is SOLB. It is just such an important component of the defense, even moreso than ILB in my view. I think Sparano has even said that the OLB's make the whole D go. Miami just does not have a depth of talent at SOLB, let alone top drawer talent like Griffen.
I agree that Griffen has an Anthony Spencer visual look, but I would say more explosive. I think optimistically that Julius Peppers could be a comparison physically. Either way, Griffen certainly fits the trifecta's profile. The FO may see him as potentially having a DeMarcus Ware type impact athletically to this defense, which is sorely needed for us to run the type of defense we want. Interestingly, this is around the point in the draft where the Cowboys got Ware.
Our FO really does not like to compromise on certain measurables as a rule. I am talking things like arm length, hand size, height, etc. They also like "football players" and production. And Miami is not afraid to supposedly "reach." They are not in the draft like a miser trying to perfectly optimize value on everything they "buy." If the guy they want, with the right measurables, is there, they might just take the guy, no matter how blue Kiper, Jr. gets in the face talking about how the guy would have been there later. They want to make sure they get their guy, with the measurables they want. See, e.g., Kendall Langford, Patrick Turner, Brian Hartline et al.
If you look at the last two drafts, Miami has flat out drafted for the size they wanted across the board. Its actually uncanny when you even look at Davis and Smith etc. That makes me wonder about B. Graham and piques my interest on Griffen. The outlier of course is Pat White, and look where that got them.
Back to my thesis here. I am sure the FO likes Brandon Graham and Griffen, at least I hope so. Graham has had outstanding production. But I suspect that Griffen will have him beat on measurables. Isn't Graham closer to 6'1 and Griffen more like 6'3? The FO tends to stick to its guns on what it wants physically. Zach Thomas never would have had a chance with these guys philosophically. I admire that these guys stick to their guns. The reason is that when you put an entire squad together of guys that have the right measurables, you get a certain synergy where the pieces fit together better.
I think Griffen's sheer potential may give him the edge. I am not sure Miami would have the opportunity to get a specimen/athlete/"football player" like Griffen anytime soon, in this or any other draft or even realistically in free agency. If he's there and he interviews well, I would think he would be tough to pass. I am getting a tad nervous Griffen won't be there at 12. If he is not, I like Graham as well.