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Everson Griffen | Defensive Lineman

Team: Minnesota Vikings
Age / DOB:  (25) / 12/22/1987
Ht / Wt:  6'3' / 273
College: USC
Contract: view contract details
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The Vikings' best four defensive linemen -- Everson Griffin, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams, and Brian Robison -- are all entering contract years in 2013.
It's notable for the upcoming draft because the Vikings may be a sleeper team to select a defensive lineman earlier than people expect. GM Rick Spielman has six picks in the top 120. Griffen is technically a backup, but he's flashed dominant pass-rush ability whenever given the opportunity to play. Only 25 years old, Griffen amassed eight sacks, a forced fumble, and a pick six in 2012. Apr 21 - 1:09 PM
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities

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Date:
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

The Vikings have shifted LB Everson Griffen back to defensive end.

"We saw enough of him at linebacker where we feel like this is going to be better for him," coach Leslie Frazier said, admitting defeat. Despite playing only 265 snaps last season, Griffen notched four sacks and 14 pressures. He'll remain a pass-rushing specialist and special teamer.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Mon, Aug 13, 2012 07:18:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

According to Vikings coach Leslie Frazier, converted DE Everson Griffen has been "kind of sporadic" at linebacker.

"He's had some good moments and he's had some other moments where we'd like it to come a little bit faster," Frazier said. "But we're going to give him a little time and see how he does throughout this week and even in the (preseason opener), and then we'll sit down and evaluate things after that game." Griffen will be a pass-rushing specialist at whatever position he mans in 2012.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 09:21:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Everson Griffen, whom the Vikings have converted from defensive end to linebacker, weighed in at 258 pounds as training camp opened.

He has been regularly listed at 273, so it's a significant weight loss. Griffen won't be an every-down linebacker in Minnesota's 4-3, but he could give the team another option as a stand-up pass rusher. Griffen can get to the QB.
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Fri, Jul 27, 2012 12:58:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Vikings DE Everson Griffen will report to camp as a linebacker, and could be in for a permanent position switch depending on how he performs in the preseason.

The Vikings decided to make the switch on the final day of minicamp. Buried on the depth chart behind workhorses Jared Allen and Brian Robison at end, Griffen was productive as a pass-rusher in limited snaps as a linebacker last season. He's already shed 10 pounds from his 273-pound frame in anticipation of the conversion. If Griffen impresses in camp, he could add a new dimension to a Vikings pass rush that tied for the league-lead with 50 sacks last season.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Mon, Jul 9, 2012 02:25:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Vikings coaches are looking for ways to get DE Everson Griffen on the field more in 2012.

The athletic Griffen was used at linebacker in certain third-down situations last year, racking up 14 QB pressures in limited snaps. The Vikes will look to increase those looks this year. Jared Allen and Brian Robison are entrenched as the starters at defensive end.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Thu, Jun 21, 2012 06:34:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Vikings DE Everson Griffin played only 25.3 percent of the team's 2011 defensive snaps, but finished fourth on the team in sacks (4.0) and racked up 14 quarterback pressures.

Beat writer Tom Pelissero is adamant Griffen deserves more playing time, but the Vikings haven't found creative ways to do it. Per Pelissero, who charted all of Minnesota's 2011 defensive snaps, Griffen displayed "a variety of pass-rush moves from both end spots" and was "OK in the run game, too." Highly athletic, Griffen also finished second on the Vikings with 18 special teams tackles.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Fri, Feb 3, 2012 04:10:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

The Vikings will give DE Everson Griffen a look as a stand-up outside linebacker in practice this week.

Coach Leslie Frazier says the Vikings "for sure" want Griffen available if needed at linebacker, especially on the weak side. Griffen is 6-foot-3, 273, but runs a legit 4.6 forty and could add a new dimension to Minnesota's pass rush if the position switch sticks. It's also a nod to rookie DL Christian Ballard, whom the Vikings have been extremely pleased with in the preseason.
Related: Christian Ballard
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Mon, Aug 29, 2011 04:13:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Vikings DE Everson Griffen is anxious to move on from his arrest-marred offseason.

"I had a little rough stretch," Griffen said. "That's not me at all. I'm just trying to make changes. I've got big years coming up. I'm just trying to show the Minnesota Vikings I'm here for good." All charges stemming from Griffen's two January arrests have been dropped, but it's possible he could still be facing a league-mandated suspension for his poor behavior at the end of the lockout.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Sat, May 21, 2011 03:19:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

VP of player personnel Rick Spielman insists the Vikings still have "a lot of high expectations" for troubled DE Everson Griffen.

Coach Leslie Frazier recently had a heart-to-heart with Griffen in an effort to set him straight after two offseason arrests. With Ray Edwards and Brian Robison set to hit free agency, Griffen will be counted on for a much bigger role in 2011.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Thu, Feb 24, 2011 04:17:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

When asked on Saturday if he was the one who stepped in and told DE Everson Griffen to cancel his Super Bowl party, Vikings HC Leslie Frazier responded "something like that."

Griffen, of course, said it was the NFL who told him to cancel his party. It really doesn't matter who it was, but lying about who's scolding him is just another example of poor judgment on Griffen's behalf. He's doing himself zero favors as the NFL mulls its punishment for his two arrests.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 05:58:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

Vikings beat writer Jeremy Fowler concurs that it was likely Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier, and not the NFL, who asked DE Everson Griffen to cancel his Super Bowl party.

Individual teams, and not the league office, are the ones usually responsible for trying to prevent their players from doing ill-advised things. The league's role is to jump in after the fact and decide if punishment is warranted. Now that his schedule is cleared up this weekend, maybe Griffen can start reflecting on the fact that he's likely facing a suspension after getting himself arrested twice in four days last week.
Source: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 04:17:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

A Las Vegas Super Bowl party that was to be hosted by Vikings DE Everson Griffen has been cancelled.

Per ESPN 1500's Tom Pelissero, Griffen texted partygoers, "the NFL has made the decision this event has got to (sic) much media coverage and we are not allowed to bus people to Vegas." It's believed that Vikings officials, not the NFL, told Griffen not to host the party. The rookie was arrested twice over a span of four days, and clearly does not have his priorities in order.
Source: ESPN 1500 Twin Cities
Sat, Feb 5, 2011 01:22:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

The NFL confirmed Friday that Vikings DE Everson Griffen is being investigated under the Personal Conduct Policy after two alcohol-related arrests in the matter of four days.

"It is under review," said the NFL. "We have no further comment." Griffen can expect a multi-game suspension, probably anywhere from 3-8 games. The Vikes can no longer count on Griffen to be a 2011 contributor, making defensive end a major need with Brian Robison and Ray Edwards both free agents.
Source: Tom Pelissero on Twitter
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 04:26:00 PM
Everson Griffen - DL - Vikings

USC has banned its athletes from attending a Las Vegas party that is being promoted by Vikings DE Everson Griffen this week.

Griffen has defended his intentions for the $100-a-head party. He's certainly not doing anything illegal here, but the high-profile party calls into question his judgment after he was arrested twice in alcohol-related incidents over the past week.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press
Fri, Feb 4, 2011 01:06:00 PM

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