2018 NFL Draft #1 Highlight: Ryan Shazier
Ryan Shazier is a walking miracle. Last year on December 5, 2017 Steelers LB Ryan Shazier suffered a major spinal injury and many questioned if he would ever walk again. When Ryan walked out on stage at the 2018 NFL Draft with his wife, the world stood still. For anyone who questions the misfortune that happens in our lives, know that God has the final say and He makes all things possible.
2018 NFL Draft #2 Highlight: Shaquem Griffin
Shaquem Griffin is the prince in a Cinderella story that is no fairytale. After finding the glass slipper of his dreams, that is being drafted into the NFL, he is now ready to spend the rest of his life as a testimony that anything is possible if you believe. In case you are unaware of this young man’s story, at the age of four Shaquem had his left hand amputated at the age of four due to an amniotic band syndrome. This physical disability did not discourage him from following his heart and playing the sport of football.
As a linebacker for the University of Central Florida, he won MVP of the Peach Bowl in his final UCF game and the 2016 league’s Defensive Player of the Year. Shaquem realized that his career was not over and prepared himself to reach the highest pinnacle of playing in the NFL. After being invited to the 2018 NFL Combine, he astonished doubters by lifting 20 repetitions of 225 pounds in the bench press portion, while using a prosthetic on his left arm.
Another note of sheer brilliance is that Shaquem has a twin brother named Shaquill Griffin who plays the position of cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks. Shaquill was a third-round pick in 2017 NFL Draft.
Although it appeared that after several rounds Shaquem’s dream would be denied, late in the fifth round (midnight hour) as the 141 pick, Shaquem was drafted by none other than his brother’s team, the Seattle Seahawks. How awesome is that? Shaquem also made history and became the first NFL player in the modern era to be drafted with one hand. He is an inspiration to many around the world.
2018 NFL Draft #3 Highlight: Lamar Jackson
There was a lot of talk about Lamar Jackson stepping away from his well known position as quarterback, and leaning towards the position of a wide receiver. For a while it appeared that 2016 Heisman Trophy winner might be excluded from the draft’s first round activity celebrations because of this decision.
Then in the final pick, the Baltimore Ravens selected Lamar Jackson and the peculiar expression upon his face turned into a sigh of relief. Although I’m sure Lamar wanted to go higher in the first round, he appeared to be thankful for the opportunity of being chosen. He then promised Baltimore that he would do all that he could to bring them a Championship and I’m sure he will do all that he can to make that a reality.
I admire Lamar for not wavering and making the decision to stay in the draft as a quarterback. After his foot is in the door and he realizes his potential is greater in another area, hopefully with guidance from his mother, Lamar will make the best decision if needed to further his NFL career.
2018 NFL Draft #4 Highlight: Josh Rosen
One thing that truly puzzled me, was the fact that QB Josh Rosen (Arizona Cardinals) was pissed that he wasn’t chosen as a higher pick in the first round. Pissed? I applaud him for his honesty however, shouldn’t he be thankful that he had the opportunity to receive an invitation to the draft in the first place? He appears quite ungrateful to me. Some might call it confidence but I see it as arrogance and it is not cute. I hope this same emotion matches his skills on this new playing level, or his pissed off demeanor will be a joking memory.
It is better to talk that stuff once your skills are up to par on the field and the results roll in. Then you can go back and say I was pissed no one drafted me higher, because you have NFL data to back it up. I’m just saying Josh…
2018 NFL Draft #5 Highlight
My favorite draft player of all is who we call “Mr. Irrelevant” or the final 256 pick in the draft. Once again, just to have your name called at all is an accomplishment. And being last ain’t so bad after all. Considering the player receives a trip to Disneyland plus a few other perks. And the blessed player that received this recognition is Southern Methodist University wide receiver Trey Quinn, who was selected by the Washington Redskins.
May Trey blossom to his highest potential and be living proof that, ”The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”
Side Notes:
Did you know that former Utah Jazz player, Karl Malone, is now a Houston Texans fan? Karl’s son, K.J. Malone, was picked up by the Houston Texans as an undrafted tackle from LSU. I wonder how Karl feels about his Utah Jazz team playing against the Houston Rockets?
Photos Courtesy of ESPN and Shaquem Griffin Photo NFL Instagram.
