Pros and cons of Las Vegas Raiders signing Lideatrick Griffin of Mississippi State as UDFA

Stefan Krajisnik, Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Mississippi State football wide receiver and kick returner Lideatrick Griffin wasn't selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, he has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent, according to a report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Here's what Griffin brings to the Raiders, based on our own observations from his tenure at Mississippi State:

What Lideatrick Griffin brings to Raiders as UDFA

Griffin comes to the NFL as a receiver who first made his name in the SEC as a kick returner. He scored two return touchdowns while averaging 30.4 yards across 44 returns in four seasons. In 2021, he had a 100-yard return against NC State.

As a recevier, Griffin leaves Mississippi State with untapped potential. His 658 receiving yards last year were a career high.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, he had a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.

Lideatrick Griffin's highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Mississippi State football

Griffin could have posted better numbers as a recevier at Mississippi State, but he was often poorly utilized. Across his first three seasons at MSU, he worked as an outside receiver in the late Mike Leach's Air Raid. However, at 5-foot-10 with his speed, he's better served in the slot.

He made the move to inside receiver last year, but he was part of one of the SEC's worst offenses. However, his potential was evident when he collected 256 receiving yards in a loss at South Carolina.

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Lideatrick Griffin 2023 stats at Mississippi State football

  • 12 games

  • 50 receptions

  • 658 receiving yards

  • 4 reception touchdowns

  • 21.9 yards per kick return

Lideatrick Griffin potential in NFL

The NFL has made a change to its kickoff return rules, adding the potential for it to be a more impactful part of the game. Griffin could impress in the return game again and prove himself as a valuable asset on special teams before working his way up an offensive depth chart.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Las Vegas Raiders sign UDFA Lideatrick Griffin: Pros, cons of deal

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