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Top 5 Combine takeaways: New York Giants may have QB choice

By Henry Buggy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley looks on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 02: Penn State running back Saquon Barkley looks on during the 2018 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 2, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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#5 – Shaquem Griffin Shines

ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the third quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the third quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

It was impossible to watch any of the NFL Scouting Combine this weekend without hearing about Shaquem Griffin.

The 6-foot-1, 227-pound outside linebacker put up 20 reps on the bench press while using a prosthetic on his left arm. The 2016 AAC Defensive Player of the Year had his left hand amputated at the age of four-years-old, but that hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL.

Griffin was already one of the most talked about prospects at the Scouting Combine ahead of his 40-yard dash. Then he posted a 4.38-second run, marking the fastest 40-yard dash time for a linebacker in more than a decade. Griffin had already proven himself a playmaker at UCF, recording 33.5 tackles for a loss, 18.5 sacks, 16 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

While Griffin surely boosted his draft stock in Indianapolis, he wasn’t the only linebacker to do so.

Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch and Georgia’s Lorenzo Carter also boosted their value. Alabama’s Rashaan Evans, Georgia’s Roquan Smith, and Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds likely solidified themselves as the top three linebackers in this year’s class.

The Giants are in need of upgrades at both inside and outside linebackers. Big Blue is transitioning to a new defense under James Bettcher where versatility is key to success.

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