Sunday 29 April 2018 12:45, UK
Calais Campbell would not be surprised to see amputee Shaquem Griffin make the Pro Bowl after he was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks.
Griffin made headlines on the final day of the NFL Draft in Dallas on Saturday when the Seahawks selected the linebacker, who had his left hand amputated when he was only four, in the fifth round.
Their decision to select Griffin reunites him with twin brother Shaquill, who is a cornerback for the Seahawks, and both Campbell and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive team-mate Yannick Ngakoue expect it to be a pick that pays off.
Shaquem was a standout in his position at the University of Central Florida and then wowed scouts at the combine by finishing 20 bench press reps and running the 40-yard dash in only 4.38 seconds, a record for his position since such statistics were officially released.
Campbell and Ngakoue were in London to make two Jaguars draft picks on Saturday, and both visited Sky Sports News on their way back to the airport to board a flight back to Florida.
"I understand why teams are scared he won't be a good player but when you watch his tape, he shows up and is a great player," Campbell said.
"I think he's going to be a Pro Bowler in the NFL.
"He's had this condition since he was kid so he is used to it. It's just something that we are new to. He has the balance and control and the only thing for him is catching interceptions, but he's shown in college football he can find a way as he's caught a bunch of them."
Ngakoue added: "I feel like it doesn't have any difference, it's just another chip that he's going to have on his shoulder.
"Having watched his film personally, I think he's a great player. That disability shouldn't deter him from being a great player in this league."
