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Photo of Michael Hamlin
Grade
?
  • 4.62 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 17 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 37.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 117.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.17 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.42 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'2" Height
  • 214LBS. Weight

Overview

Hamlin lacks the physicality of Cowboys safety Ken Hamlin (no relation), but like the former Arkansas star, Michael Hamlin has been a standout throughout his college career. As a redshirt freshman, he earned second-team freshman All-American honors in 2005. Hamlin emerged as one of the most productive safeties in the country as a junior, earning second-team All-ACC accolades after finishing among conference leaders with 97 tackles and four interceptions. Hamlin received first-team honors and ranked among FBS leaders with six interceptions, tying the school record of 19 for his career.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Rangy player with the frame to add an additional 10-15 pounds of mass. ... Quick to come up in run support. ... Willing to take on blocks to get to the action. ... Reliable tackler in the open field who flashes hitting ability. ... Wrap-up tackler who looks to punch or rip the ball out to create a turnover. ... Instinctive in coverage. Reads the quarterback's eyes and gets a good break on the ball due to his feel for the game. ... Natural hands for the interception. ... Competes for the ball and can time his leap to catch it at its highest point. ... Good vision and elusiveness with the ball in his hands. ... Cerebral player who lines up the Clemson defensive backfield and was voted a permanent team captain as a junior. Negatives: Questionable straight-line speed. ... Much better with his eyes pointed toward the quarterback, as he lacks the deep speed most teams want as the deep safety. ... Reliable open-field tackler, but lacks bulk and explosive hitting ability to be an intimidator over the middle. ... Durability red flags: broke both feet in his career, missing three games in 2006 after breaking one against Boston College and undergoing postseason surgery after the 2007 season with a stress fracture in the other.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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