Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Let’s take a closer look at one of most intriguing prospects of the New Orleans Saints: Ryan Griffin. Westlake Village, California is his hometown where he was born on November 17, 1989. He spent his high school years at the Chaminade College Preparatory School in California where he brought the team to the state semifinals as a junior. After his senior year there he moved to Louisiana for his collegial studies at Tulane University; he recently graduated with a major in business management. In four years he appeared in 42 games with the Green Waves, started 39 of them and set a number of school records.

Curtis Johnson, Griffin’s head coach at Tulane and former Saints’ wide receiver coach, was recently interviewed by Larry Holder, Saints beat writer for NOLA.com: Johnson told the journalist that Ryan is very smart, talented and has what it takes (i.e. sensational footwork, quick release and ability to anticipate throws) to fit perfectly in a West Coast type of offense. He added that Mickey Loomis went to a couple of games to take a look at him and loved what he saw; Sean Payton was there at their Pro Day, asking him a lot of questions about Griffin and was very impressed. “He’s a perfect fit for this team” he concluded.

Read more: Saints UDFA: is Ryan Griffin the QB of the future? - Who Dat Dish - A New Orleans Saints Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

I would say we do quite well with QBs coming off of shoulder injury's.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Will he wait 5 years?

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Considering every team passed on him 5 or more times in the draft. He is probably not on anyone's radar and may have no choice. If he doesn't there will be 5 more rookie classes to choose from.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

2 or 3 good preseasons and teams will come calling, just as they did with Chase Daniel.

Perhaps PS for 2 seasons, then actual back-up for a couple more, then maybe we can talk about him being the man.

Has any elite QB ever waited 5 years for their turn to start?

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Not 5.

Rogers got his shot in his 4th season. He went 3 seasons untouched.

Not the normal rule but it happens.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

I'm pretty sure Steve Young waited 5 years.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

He was a starter in the USFL and with Tampa Bay before he sat behind Montana wasn't he? And that was over 20 years ago.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

He would have been the starter in year 2 if Favre didn't keep un-retiring.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Well Drew Brees is 34. I am not sure Griffin would have to wait 5 years. I would hope Brees plays as long as he can but there are no guarantees.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

He won't have to wait 5 years. Brees isn't getting any younger.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Long progression to get to the top but look what happens with some guys like RG3, Wilson, among others sometimes you go to the right team and if you have "IT" you dont toll in the trenches. Hom much better would Brees be if he was 6Ft 5in ?

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Steve Young: Fifth Year in SF, Plus Two in TB

Aaron Rodgers: Started Fourth Year in GB

Matt Schaub: Started First Year in HOU after Three Years in ATL; Schaub is not one I'd consider 'elite' though he's has comparable passing totals.

Matt Flynn: Announced Starter Oakland 2013 after Four Years in GB and One in Oakland. Flynn has had one 'elite' game in Green Bay, but was passed over in Seattle and is now the franchise qb in Oakland.

The typical grooming period when a quarterback is not thrust into the starting role due to injury/ticket sales/job security is approximately three years...

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

I'm not going to get into the whole who will replace Drew Brees thing...
Because I don't think we'll get that type of player again ever. I'm going to enjoy what he has left.

P.S. I also feel sorry for the poor sob that does have to replace him

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Link or opinion?

I look at the top 10 QB's in this league and nearly every one started year 1 or 2.

5 years is way too long.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Great QBs normally become starters out of necessity. Rarely are the Smiths booted out for the Kaeperniks, and rarely are they groomed to become elite. Sitting the bench behind a great provides little value beyond the first year. No one knows if a QB will be great until after they have been great for a few seasons.

They are either:
Drafted to start
Starter retires
Starter has career ending injury

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Let me start off by saying I love Brees, now I do not see him playing with being high effectively over another 3 years( I know, bash away) so why not groom this rookie to be a starter(keep in mind he may never live up to Brees) but if he can win games on a consistant level and plays well he has my vote. Who knows it possibly could end up like Brady got his start, you never know?!!

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Let Payton and Loomis worry about Brees' replacement and when its time to find the poor sob.

I already don't like the guy because he isn't Brees!

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Brady is 35 and Manning is 37. Both of those guys are still doing fine. Barring injury, Drew should remain really good for the duration of his contract (goes through the 2016 season, I think).

I think the Saints have at least two or three seasons before they need to worry about it (of course an injury can happen on any play). It does make you realize that the time is in the next two or three seasons for the Saints to try to make another run (or two!).

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

I bet the Packers thought the same after Favre retired. Or the 49ers after Montana...

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

You're right 2 teams out of 46+ years of football had superstars replace superstars.
What was I thinking.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Wikipedia, ProFootball Reference, research it for yourself...

Point is, it's not unheard of...

And so what if we groom a backup now and Drew were to play five more years, if it's Griffin and year 5 Drew retires and he's ready to roll, then that's the way it is...

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Former Tulane QB Griffin happy to get chance with Saints

METAIRIE, La. — Ryan Griffin won’t venture to guess what the New Orleans Saints have planned for him.

But one thing Griffin, the former Tulane quarterback, can say is that he knows he’s in a good situation.

“I’m just happy to be here,” Griffin said. “Every day is a blessing. As an undrafted free agent, you don’t always have anything guaranteed. I’m just happy to be here and every day I appreciate it.”

His situation with New Orleans should be aided by the fact he was coached this past season by Curtis Johnson, a former Saints assistant coach who brought Sean Payton’s offense with him to Uptown.

In 2012, Griffin completed 62.2 percent of his passes for 2,771 yards and recorded 20 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He averaged 307.9 yards passing per game.

So far, Griffin says everything is pretty similar.

“I’d say about 90 percent of it is the same,” Griffin said. “And a lot of the terminology is the same, which is probably the biggest part because everybody runs the same concepts.”

That’s where Payton believes Griffin is different from a typical first-year rookie quarterback. It also should put him, at least from an offensive knowledge standpoint, ahead of Seneca Wallace, who signed with the Saints this offseason, and on par with Luke McCown. In the fight for the backup role.

“It’s noticeably different than maybe most first-year quarterbacks coming in and trying to pick things up right away,” Payton said of Griffin’s understanding of the offense. “You know, there’s a lot of things that are familiar. That’s a big plus for him.”

Griffin said that knowledge has helped him think less and act quicker.

“It’s always best to go out there and not have to think because you play faster and you play looser and you play better,” Griffin said. “It definitely helps and I’m just happy to have that opportunity.”

In the past, they’ve kept projects like Griffin on the practice squad or brought one on and off the roster a la Sean Canfield.

That said, Griffin – a four-year starter at Tulane – isn’t worried about just what the Saints have planned for him.

“I’m not here to judge my play and future,” Griffin said. “I’m just here to work hard and make my best with every play and rep I get.”

Former Tulane QB Griffin happy to get chance with Saints | wwltv.com New Orleans

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Pretty much why in 3 years when his rookie contract is up he will stay. "IF" he turns out worth keeping the below will be the process.

Here is Griffins process.. I know I am reaching a bit but this could also be considered a perfect storm: He is a Saint for three years, when his next contract comes up he only has 2 years to be the starting QB for the New Orleans Saints. He will hang around, there will be a little bit of loyalty involved because New Orleans was the team willing to give him a shot. You also have a QB that was passed over completely in the draft and will have a chip on his shoulder. Does this remind you of anyone? Arguable the top two QBs in the league, Brady and Brees had similar situations. Brady was passed over by nearly every team in the draft nearly 6 times (almost didnt get drafted), Brees had to deal with the "I may never play the game again" scenario which is just like not being drafted for a rookie.

What attributes make a good QB great (if they have the mechanics)? Work ethic and drive. Now I am not a believer that a backup watching a great QB play on the field give him much after the first year, but if Griffin learns and develops Drew's work ethic and drive and puts in the personal hours he could possibly become great.

Scouting reports do not chow any bad mechanics, only under sized (remind you of anyone?) And lacks some arm strength which can be improved upon.
.5" height difference and 4 lb difference. (There is a reason Sean Payton wanted him.



Ryan Griffins scouting report:
Positive: Undersized but accurate passer who does the little things well. Patient in the pocket, buys time for receivers, and works to make positive plays. Looks off the safety, quickly locates the open receiver, and puts touch on throws. Stands in against the rush taking a big hit in order to get the pass away. Has the ability to get outside the pocket and make throws on the move.
Negative: Does not have the arm strength necessary to power the ball through the tight windows and is often high of the mark when he attempts to put extra speed on throws. Replaced during the season due to ineffectiveness.
Analysis: Griffin was a solid college quarterback but lacks the size and arm strength to play at the next level. The ability to make the throw on the move or improvise when plays break down could help him catch on as a third quarterback for a West Coast or pistol offense.

Tom Bradys Scouting Report:
Tom Brady Positives: Good height to see the field. Very poised and composed. Smart and alert. Can read coverages. Good accuracy and touch. Produces in big spots and in big games. Has some Brian Griese in him and is a gamer. Generally plays within himself. Team leader.
Negatives: Poor build. Very skinny and narrow. Ended the '99 season weighing 195 pounds and still looks like a rail at 211. Looks a little frail and lacks great physical stature and strength. Can get pushed down more easily than you'd like. Lacks mobility and ability to avoid the rush. Lacks a really strong arm. Can't drive the ball down the field and does not throw a really tight spiral. System-type player who can get exposed if he must ad-lib and do things on his own.
Summary: Is not what you're looking for in terms of physical stature, strength, arm strength and mobility, but he has the intangibles and production and showed great Griese-like improvement as a senior. Could make it in the right system but will not be for everyone.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

My point was Griffin isn't likely gonna sit for 5 years. A few good preseasons and some QB hungry teams are gonna throw money at him just like they did Chase.

Its possible that he develops into a Drew Brees type elite QB, but not likely.

Its possible that if he does develop he'll sit a couple extra years earning pennies, but its not likely.

I just don't see a QB in the league that has done it, and can't remember one doing it in the last 20 years.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Well.... There is 1 and from my digging only 1, but you will have to go back 21 years.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Steve Young sat behind Montana for 5 years before Montana got hurt. if you look at all the years Steve played before he got his starting shot in his 8th season he started an entire 16 games.

Young was in TB 85/86 then went to SF in 87 and basically sat until Montana was hurt in 1990

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Ryan Griffin is a spare tire... Nothing more.
In 4 years we'll find a suitable replacement for Drew. No need to "groom" QB's anymore for the guys we've seen in the past few years

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Montana's career ending injury is every reason to always have someone ready to take the field and be able to win. We are a team that is heavily dependent on a good passing QB.

Do you want to be 9-3 and have the only viable QB on the team go down?

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Which is why our #2 QB is probably going to be either McCown or Wallace.

I'm thinking Ryan gets cut and signed to the practice squad, where he'll remain a couple years.

Drews replacement, barring a freak injury, is still playing high school football.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Unless he has a stellar preseason, I see that as well. And quite frankly, there's nothing wrong with that for him or us. Getting paid 6 digits to play football with minimal risk of injury is hardly a bad living.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

There are two things a GM and a Coach have to put into perspective, probable and possible. We are probably fine and Drew will probably not go down leaving us with the BU decision. There is a possibility that he could and that is what we have to be prepared for. Its the gamble. Its the reason I keep a spare tire on all of my vehicles.

You will just have to excuse my lack of any faith in either McCown or Wallace.

They have both proven in more than one place that they are not starters.

Seneca Wallace - Years in NFL 7, Games Started 21, Interceptions 18, 59% Comp, QBR 81
Luke McCown - years in NFL 7, Games started 9, Interceptions 14, 58% comp, QBR 68

Griffin has yet to prove anything which to me is a glass 1/2 full.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

There is no need to excuse your lack of faith in these two guys. It's totally justified. I'm glad Ryan's here and won't be surprised if we see him put Wallace and McClown in the soup line in short order.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Does it matter if he waits? Is he our QB of the future? That's the big question

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

Griffin is a cerebral QB.............Sean Payton really likes that in his QBs.

Re: Saints UDFA Ryan Griffin the QB of the Future
 

#3 is a good spot for him if he earns it