Shaquem Griffin was relegated to a special teams role in his first season with the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Pete Carroll would like to change that in 2019.
The one-handed outside linebacker played just eight defensive snaps in the final 15 regular season games, per Next Gen Stats. Carroll wants to use Griffin's speed more this season, especially as a pass rusher -- a position of need in Seattle.
During offseason workouts, Carroll has moved Griffin around, putting him at weakside linebacker in nickel packages and strongside in base sets, from which he can rush the passer.
"It has been really a good deal for him," Carroll said, via the team's official website. "We see how much background he has on the edge. He's played safety and outside linebacker for the most part in his career. He's just more comfortable out there. That doesn't mean that he can't play behind the line of scrimmage. He's gained a lot there, but you can see him on the edge, in space and coming off the edge and pressures and stuff like that, that it's a good spot for him. So he has had a very, very good offseason with us."
Griffin becoming more comfortable is part of the process going from rookie to sophomore. With more playing time this season that comfort level should increase, as could his impact on Seattle's defense.
Griffin has become an inspiration to many. If he turns into an every-game playmaker on defense, his story will only grow.
