Everson Griffen – DE (2010)
Everson Griffen, without a doubt, is the Vikings’ best fourth-round choice of the last decade and one of their best of all-time.
Heading into the 2010 NFL Draft, many thought Griffen would be a first-round selection. He had elite athletic ability and he was coming off a very productive three years at USC.
As the draft loomed closer though, questions about Griffen began to pick up steam. Teams questioned his desire for the game and there were rumblings that he would give up on plays.
Many figured with his athletic ability he should have been even more productive in college and there were concerns about his overall character and maturity.
Minnesota benefited from all of this as Griffen fell into their laps in the fourth round. They wisely jumped all over him and the rest has been history.
Griffen has become one of the best pass-rushers in Minnesota history. He’s racked up 74.5 sacks and 353 tackles during his career with the Vikings. He’s grown into not just one of the leaders on Minnesota’s defense, but on the entire team.
It was recently reported that Griffen will opt out of his current contract with the Vikings, becoming a free agent. It’s unclear whether or not he’ll return to Minnesota in 2020, but head coach Mike Zimmer seemed very optimistic about it happening when he spoke at the NFL Scouting Combine this week.
It would be ideal for Griffen to return to the Vikings because even at age 32, this guy has plenty of football left in his tank.