Atlas
09-06-2005, 01:23 AM
SoCals link:http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?id=2151804
Players like Griffin might fill others' needsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Since he's been in the league only two seasons, 24-year-old running back Quentin Griffin might not be old enough to have heard the hackneyed adage about how quick a plummet it can be from the NFL's penthouse to its outhouse.
But the former Denver Bronco is old enough to have already lived it.
Only a year ago, Griffin was the starter at tailback, seemingly destined to become the latest in the long line of Broncos' 1,000-yard rushers. In fact, in the first game at Kansas City, he established a new franchise record for rushing yards in a season-opener, carrying 23 times for 156 yards. But then Griffin, a fourth-round choice in the 2003 draft, injured an ankle and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Thus, starting job lost.
And then on Saturday, as the Broncos cut down to the regular-season roster limit of 53 players, the former Oklahoma star lost his job completely.
Despite a solid training camp and encouraging preseason, Griffin ranked no better than fourth on the Broncos' crowded depth chart at tailback. Still, on a day of few surprises, he was one of the more intriguing names on the NFL waiver wire Saturday night. And if Griffin can demonstrate that he is fully rehabilitated from his physical problems of last season, his time in the league unemployment line figures to be short.
As has been the case for the past several years, cutdown day offered very little in terms of high-profile veterans being kicked to the curb. And very little in potential reinforcements for those teams still hoping to bolster their rosters with a key 11th-hour pickup. Personnel directors seeking a diamond in the rough are more apt to find coal than carats.
There were, however, some young players cut who are worthy of scrutiny, including a few of Griffin's former Denver teammates. Among the young veterans who were released by Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, linebacker Terry Pierce, defensive tackle Dorsett Davis and quarterback Matt Mauck might draw interest from other teams. It would not be surprising to have multiple waiver claims submitted on all three.
Players like Griffin might fill others' needsBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Since he's been in the league only two seasons, 24-year-old running back Quentin Griffin might not be old enough to have heard the hackneyed adage about how quick a plummet it can be from the NFL's penthouse to its outhouse.
But the former Denver Bronco is old enough to have already lived it.
Only a year ago, Griffin was the starter at tailback, seemingly destined to become the latest in the long line of Broncos' 1,000-yard rushers. In fact, in the first game at Kansas City, he established a new franchise record for rushing yards in a season-opener, carrying 23 times for 156 yards. But then Griffin, a fourth-round choice in the 2003 draft, injured an ankle and tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Thus, starting job lost.
And then on Saturday, as the Broncos cut down to the regular-season roster limit of 53 players, the former Oklahoma star lost his job completely.
Despite a solid training camp and encouraging preseason, Griffin ranked no better than fourth on the Broncos' crowded depth chart at tailback. Still, on a day of few surprises, he was one of the more intriguing names on the NFL waiver wire Saturday night. And if Griffin can demonstrate that he is fully rehabilitated from his physical problems of last season, his time in the league unemployment line figures to be short.
As has been the case for the past several years, cutdown day offered very little in terms of high-profile veterans being kicked to the curb. And very little in potential reinforcements for those teams still hoping to bolster their rosters with a key 11th-hour pickup. Personnel directors seeking a diamond in the rough are more apt to find coal than carats.
There were, however, some young players cut who are worthy of scrutiny, including a few of Griffin's former Denver teammates. Among the young veterans who were released by Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, linebacker Terry Pierce, defensive tackle Dorsett Davis and quarterback Matt Mauck might draw interest from other teams. It would not be surprising to have multiple waiver claims submitted on all three.