2018 NFL Draft: Shaquem Griffin earns Combine invite

Nothing will hold Shaquem Griffin back from being drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft

Former University of Central Florida linebacker Shaquem Griffin has overcome more than most can handle from a young age. At birth he was diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome which caused the fingers in his left hand to never fully develop. At the age of four, he had his left hand amputated after attempting to perform the procedure himself.

Fast-forward to 2018, and Griffin is packing his bags for Indianapolis to perform in the 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Combine.

Griffin had originally not received an invite to the Combine, but a strong showing at the Senior Bowl last week in Mobile, Alabama gained him national notoriety.

After making a call to the Combine organizers, Griffin announced on Twitter he finally received his formal invite.

Measuring into the Senior Bowl at 6’2 223 lbs Griffin makes up for his lost hand with a ferocious playing style and contributions on special teams. NFL teams will look into playing him at safety instead of outside linebacker, which Griffin displayed during his time in Mobile.

Coming off a Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Defensive MVP performance for the undefeated UCF Knights Griffin projects to be a mid-late round draft pick. Teams will certainly carry reservations with him having only one arm, but Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said his left arm is still useful when it comes to jabbing the ball and opposing players.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: QB Desperation Brings Trades

Playing in all 26 games in his last two collegiate seasons Griffin racked up 18.5 sacks and 33.5 tackles for loss.