(Photo by Jeff Halstead/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire)
When most people think about the Seattle Seahawks defense, they are reminded of players who are no longer there. Richard Sherman is in San Francisco, Michael Bennett in Philadelphia, and Kam Chancellor and Cliff Avril suffered career-ending injuries last season. However, while the team is 1-2 and floundering on the offensive side of the ball – the defense has still been excellent.
While Bobby Wagner and Earl Thomas have shouldered the load, one of Seattle’s better defensive players has been second-year cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The older brother of the inspirational Shaquem Griffin (by one minute) Shaquill had a quietly excellent rookie season in 2017, racking up 58 combined tackles with one sack and one interception.
After this offseason’s roster overhaul, Griffin was shifted from the left cornerback spot over to the right side, taking on the spot vacated by Sherman. It is a tall order for the second-year player, but Griffin has proven up to the task.
Through three games so far this season, Griffin has 12 solo tackles and two interceptions – both made against Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears.
For those of you in IDP formats, Griffin represents a name to keep an eye on. IDP formats are all different, but if your league counts safeties and corners as separate positions, Griffin is definitely worth picking up. If they are combined, Griffin is someone to consider as a streamer against weaker opposing offenses.
Seattle’s secondary is no longer the Legion of Boom that it once was, but safeties Thomas and Bradley McDougald have each had outstanding seasons. That, plus the emergence of Griffin on the right side, has kept them afloat as a relevant defense in all fantasy formats.
Long-term, consider Griffin a solid option in IDP leagues and Seattle’s defense a good streamer. Short-term, both should be played in Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals and rookie Josh Rosen.