Griffen’s draft stock rising


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With the NFL draft less than two weeks away, former USC defensive end Everson Griffen’s draft stock is continuing to rise.

Griffen spent his junior season in the Cardinal and Gold chasing down the best offensive players in the Pac-10.

The junior defensive end was named to the second All-Pac-10 team at the end of a productive season, and decided that chasing down NFL offenses would be his next step.

After declaring for the draft after USC’s 24-13 victory over Boston College in the 2009 Emerald Bowl, Griffen was immediately tabbed as one of the best prospects at the defensive end position, which includes Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan and Florida’s Carlos Dunlap.

After recently working out with the Atlanta Falcons and impressing at the NFL’s scouting combine, Griffen seems to be a lock to go in the first round, the only question is where.

ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay having differing opinions on Griffen’s placement in the first round, but both agree that he’ll go somewhere in the mid-to-late first round.

McShay currently sees Griffen going 22ndoverall to the New England Patriots, saying that the Patriots would benefit from his pass-rush ability and size.

Kiper has Griffen a little further down the list at No. 29 to the New York Jets and also views Griffen as a good prospect, comparing him favorably to current pros Adalius Thomas and Terrell Suggs.