Overview:
Griffen is an energetic EDGE defender with dynamic rushing skills and a non-stop engine. The 11-year-old pro has 355 total tackles, 74.5 tackles, 86 tackles for loss, 176 QB hits, nine forced fumbles, and six fumble recovers toward 2020. He has 10-plus tackles in three of his last six seasons with a career reaches -best 13 sacks in 2017.
As a pass rusher, Griffen is an explosive athlete with cat-like speed of first step. He kicks the ball off the first move and his three-step approach puts direct pressure on attacking approach, especially when attacking from a wide range. Griffin combines explosive fast speed with fierce hands to win with a swipe, club, and rip maneuver on field starts. He complements his speed rush with a hesitant spinning motion that reminds me of four-time NBA MVP LeBron James driving to the hole. Griffen combines strength with finesse while putting offensive tackle with the movement on the field before using a drop step and an ice pick maneuver to work inwards.
The veteran does not use a wide range of movements to get the job done, but he manages his signature movements and plays with such fanatical commitment that he can hardly perform with a basic repertoire. Griffen has the potential to play as a stand-up rusher in some three-man looks when sliding inward as an interior pass rusher in an exotic pass-rush package.
As a running back, Griffen is a textbook edge defender with the ability to play with power, strength and leverage at the point of attack. He does not leave the ground easily and works his hands to quickly loosen up on the line of scrimmage. With Griffen giving maximum effort to plays on and off his side, the veteran tackles tackles and tackles for loss on hustle plays.
Strength:
- Dynamic pass rusher with cat-like speed of first step
- Savvy technician with an unstable set of signatures (speed rush / spin motion)
- 100% effort player
- Stout run defender
Weaknesses:
- Aging veteran near the end of his prime
- Empty takeaway numbers
How does he fit into the Cowboys?
Griffen is a high end EDGE defender with game-changing skills. He gives the Cowboys a traditional defensive end to play against Demarcus Lawrence in a 4-3 scheme. As an electric pass rusher with exceptional expectation of snap count and speed of first step, he is a perfect fit as RDE in the base or nickel package of the Cowboys. Griffen has enough athleticism and flexibility to function as a stand-up defender in a hybrid 3-4 or as a pass-rushing three-technique in a sub-pack. The veteran is a naughty run defender who plays with fanatical commitment and unlimited energy on every down. Overall, Griffen is a blue-chip player who is an upgrade over his predecessor (Robert Quinn) and a potential differentiator for a championship-caliber defense.
