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Can Thor Griffith Improve the Commanders’ Run Defense?

by

Austin Peay v Louisville
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2025 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Thor Griffith, DT
School: Louisville University | Conference: Atlantic Athletic Conference
College Experience: Redshirt Senior | Age: 22 (Week 1)
Height / Weight: 6’2” / 320 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Mid 5th-6th round

College Statistics

Harvard University (FCS)

Thor Griffith’s Harvard University statistics
Source: Harvard Football
Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Interceptions Fumbles
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yds IntTD PD FR Yds FRTD FF Awards
2024* Louisville ACC SR DT 13 15 6 21 6 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Career 13 15 6 21 6 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 2/25/2025.

Player Overview

Thor Griffith is a graduate player from the University of Louisville. He played three seasons at Harvard University and was a two sport athlete (wrestling) coming out of Portsmouth (NH) High School.

Griffith is a player who could rise up draft boards with more tape and workouts. He plays with active hands and great strength at the point of attack. Thor also shows off his IQ to recognize protection schemes and shed blocks. He is a late round prospect with scheme versatility who is eager to take on better competition.

Metrics

PFF: 84.3 overall grade

Awards & Accomplishments

  • HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-America Team (2021)
  • First-Team All-Ivy League (2022, 2023)
  • Phil Steele All-Ivy First-Team (2022, 2023)
  • FCS Football Central All-Ivy League First Team (2023)

Strengths

  • Capable of playing multiple techniques along the defensive line (4, 3-tech, and 2)
  • Solid play strength with active hands at the point of attack
  • Quick processing and reactive to blocking schemes
  • Strong run defender, able to shed blocks
  • Active motor and plays with a competitive streak

Weaknesses

  • Needs to refine pass rushing moves against better competition
  • Best season performances came at the FCS level
  • Limited pass rushing moves
  • Needs to work on tackling technique

Let’s See His Work

How does he fit on the team

Even with an improved defense from last season, the Commanders had one of the worst rushing defenses in the league. A performance this bad requires retooling the trenches, starters and depth. While critical capital via draft and/or free agency will be spent on the starters, Thor would be a solid depth pickup for the defensive front in the later rounds. Thor brings a competitive streak as relief for the starters. He brings penetrative strength, ability to shed blocks, and get after the runner or quarterback. Even if it doesn’t show on the stat sheet, Thor’s ability to push or break off blockers will benefit everyone else on the defensive front. Thor Griffith would give the Commanders a depth defensive lineman who can improve the run defense.