The Pittsburgh defense is sending a lot of talent to the NFL this year. In the front seven, Rashad Weaver, Patrick Jones II, and Jaylen Twyman could all be day two selections, and they also had one of the best safety tandems in college between Paris Ford and Damar Hamlin. Hamlin will be the subject of this report and was a four-year starter at Pittsburgh. He played in many different spots during his time at Pittsburgh and projects to do the same in the NFL as well.
Make sure to check out all of our other 2021 NFL Draft Scouting Reports.
Player Bio
Name: Damar Hamlin
Jersey: #3
Position: Safety
School: Pittsburgh
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 201 lbs
Coverage Skills (8/10)
Hamlin is solid in coverage and can match up well against slot receivers. Unfortunately, he has some struggles deep down the field due to his lack of long speed. Hamlin seemed to be a step or two short of the receiver whenever he was one-on-one with a receiver down the field.
Ball Skills (7.5/10)
He has a lot of production here. Hamlin has 21 pass breakups and six interceptions. He has some good moments, but there are plenty of times where he appears to be a step or two late to make a play on the ball.
Change of Direction (8.25/10)
Hamlin is good in this regard. He gets in and out of his breaks when he sees where the receiver is going and can make a play on the ball. He is flexible enough to flip his hips quickly.
Fluidity (8.5/10)
Hamlin isn’t tight in his hips, and there isn’t any clunkiness. He is clean in and out of his transitions, and it helps him make plays on the receiver.
Run Support (8.25/10)
Hamlin is active in run support. Hamlin isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the box and light a running back up. The main concern here is the fact that his frame is a bit light, and he won’t come off of blocks easily.
Tackling (8.5/10)
Hamlin is a physical tackler. He is consistent, but there are a few misses here and there. Hamlin isn’t afraid to lay the lumber and will sometimes reach for an ankle if needed. He will give up some extra yards after the first contact due to his frame.
Range (7.25/10)
He has hardly played as the single-high safety and is suited best as a split-safety or at nickel corner. If needed, he could play as the single-high safety in a pinch.
Versatility (8.5/10)
He has experience as a single-high and split safety, slot corner, and box safety. Hamlin does well in man and zone coverage.
Football IQ (9/10)
As a four-year starter, Hamlin has seen a lot. He is a quick processor and is always around the football, and is looking to always be in a position to make a play.
Competitive Toughness (5/5)
Hamlin is an aggressive defender that is always looking to stick his nose in to make a play in the run game. When he makes a play in the passing game, he will let you know about it.
Injury (4.75/5)
Hamlin has been nicked up here and there and has missed a few games. There is nothing too big to worry about.
Player Summary
Well, that was surprising. Hamlin is a “my-guy” to many in the draft community, and he will be one for me as well. He will likely be on the bridge between days two and three. He has a ton of experience, and his knack for getting downhill in the run game is one of the best in the class. Between him and Ar’Darius Washington (you can read our report on him here), the two provide similar skillsets that aren’t talked about enough in the class.
Final Grade (83.5/100): Mid Second Round
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