The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Cedric Griffin chosen 48th overall by Vikings in 2006 NFL Draft
04.29.2006 | Football
NEW YORK -- University of Texas cornerback Cedric Griffin was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 16th pick of the second round of Saturday's NFL Draft and the 48th pick overall.
Griffin joins Michael Huff (No. 7 overall) as the second Longhorn defensive back chosen in the 2006 draft, marking the first time since 1997 two have been selected in the same draft when Bryant Westbrook was chosen by the Detroit Lions in the first round and Taje Allen was picked by the Saint Louis Rams in the fifth round.
"Cedric Griffin brings the ability to play all four positions in the secondary," Mack Brown said. "From the big hit he put on USC's fullback in the National Championship game to the interception he made in the Senior Bowl, he repeatedly showed his versatility in the secondary. He also brought leadership to our team along with an element of toughness that he will take to the NFL. Cedric also helped a lot on our special teams, so that is another element he will bring to whichever team drafts him."
Along with Huff, Griffin's selection gives the Longhorns a defensive back selection in four of the past five drafts.
"Our secondary coach Duane Akina likes to work the players at all the different positions for depth and it really helps them understand how to play defense, gets them ready for the NFL and makes them more attractive to NFL teams," Brown said.
Griffin started 38 consecutive games at cornerback over his last three seasons. He has played in 51 career games, including 44 starts, while compiling 275 tackles, three interceptions, 32 PBU, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He was named first-team All-Big 12 by the league's coaches and The Associated Press in 2005.
Griffin is the first Longhorn selected by the Vikings since DT John Haines in 1984. The Longhorns have now had at least three players drafted in each of the last four years.
