Before mini-camp let out in June, Seattle Seahawks rookie cornerback Shaquill Griffin solidified his candidacy to start opposite of Richard Sherman on opening day.

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Currently, veteran Jeremy Lane sounds like the favorite to win the job but Griffin is hot on his heels, due to a combination of length and smarts.

“He’s got probably one of the best corner minds that we’ve had for a young guy around here," defensive coordinator Kris Richard said in June. "That’s just in regards to leverage, positioning, the understanding of our coverages and where we need him to be. He has picked it up fairly quickly.

"We’re going to be really excited to see him strap it up and get out there and actually be able to compete for the football while it’s in the air. That’s going to be the next phase, but his technique has been improving day after day, and he has real strength. He has strength in his hands, you can tell he’s a powerful guy, and obviously his speed is there.”

Due to the rules of the offseason program, Griffin hasn't been able to spotlight his coverage abilities in a meaningful way, as no-contact is allowed. Carroll agreed that training camp will be crucial in finding out new information on all their young defensive backs including Griffin.

"None of the DBs were able to compete at the ball throughout this whole offseason; so, we don’t see any of that," Carroll said during final mini-camp presser. "We have no evaluation of those guys. They can’t make a play on the ball unless it’s thrown right to them. So they have a lot to show still when they come back. The one-on-one work when they get back. The seven on seven against our best guys and all of that will show us a lot more. So it’s hard to make a full evaluation ..."

Still, Griffin has a chance to put himself right in the mix if his skills match his mind.

"The competition is wide open. These guys understand that," Richard said. "I’ve said it for years, and I know people kind of look at me like I’m crazy, but Richard Sherman’s job is up for grabs. The competition is open, the best players are going to be out there and they’re going to play for us. The best guys are going to be out there, and if he shows he is more than able and more that capable of being out there and helping this football team, then he will play.”