DaeSean Hamilton burst onto the scene his 2014 freshman season, accumulating over 80 catches for the Nittany Lions. While his production cooled over the following two seasons, he had a strong senior year as a part of a balanced Penn State attack. He leaves Happy Valley as Penn State’s all-time leader in receiving yards with 2,842. Despite this, Hamilton was not originally invited to the Senior Bowl, but was a late addition to the group after a strong Shrine Game week and some receivers dropping out to due injury. Hamilton took full advantage, having possibly the strongest week of all the receivers in Mobile.

Measurables (Senior Bowl):

Height – 6’0 ¾

Weight – 202 Pounds

Hand Size – 9 ¼

Arm Length – 32 ⅝

Wingspan – 76 ¼ (6’4 ¼)

Games Watched: Wisconsin 2016, Indiana 2017, Michigan 2017, Michigan State 2017, Nebraska 2017, Ohio State 2017, Senior Bowl (practices and game)

Route Running: Hamilton’s route running ability is his number one strength, and the nuance that he displays is impressive. He is able to sink his hips with good flexibility, resulting in smooth and crisp breaks that create separation from defensive backs. Hamilton is constantly attacking the DBs’ leverage and wins at the top of his routes because of it. He consistently wins releases and re-stems with his footwork to keep clean from contact.

Threatens outside leverage, brings his head and shoulders with him before sinking his hips. Inside vertical re-stem to square in Focus on ball into hands and turns up field for YAC pic.twitter.com/Rh8i9Nv53d — Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) February 4, 2018

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Athleticism/Physical Profile: Hamilton is a decent, not spectacular, athlete. On film, he has flashed excellent balance and a nice ability to rise for the ball. He can accelerate at an average level, but he doesn’t possess burner-level breakaway speed. At nearly 6’1 and over 200 pounds, he has a solid frame but could probably stand to add a little more bulk to his upper body. He has pretty good length but small hands, which can be a problem when trying to pluck the ball at the catch point.

Wheel Route, flashing his headgear back to the QB before turning upfield. Speed out of double move creates separation. His explosiveness allows him to climb the ladder and make the play on the ball in the air.

Hangtime. Body Control. Balance. pic.twitter.com/EE0CyCbYZD — Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) February 4, 2018

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Hands/Ball Skills/Body Control: Hamilton has inconsistent hands and dropped too many passes in Mobile. On film, this trait shows up too often, and he has room to improve in corralling the ball. However, generally Hamilton is reaching away from his chestplate to catch the ball and has a focus on attacking the catch point. Hamilton has excellent body control to pair with his balance and takes optimal angles when attacking the ball downfield.

Dead Leg release on Slot Fade, gets on top of DB to keep him out of phase and unable to turn back towards the ball Ideal body control, flipping his hips in the air and pulling the ball away from the DB to secure catch pic.twitter.com/cBmteCm9PU — Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) February 4, 2018

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Ball Carrier: Hamilton has pretty good vision with the ball and has shown the ability to break tackles on film, stemming from his balance as a runner. As an exclusive slot receiver, he could be more elusive in the open field, as he consistently gets the ball in space.

Pushes vertical and the flexibility in his hips avoids contact on his re-stem. Comes back towards the QB to beat DB to catchpoint and pulls in contested grab Keeps his balance through contact and breaks the tackle for extra yardage pic.twitter.com/gkoJfUVWqc — Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) February 4, 2018

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DaeSean Hamilton’s game against Indiana displayed every trait I could possibly ask for from an NFL slot WR. Coupled with his performance at the Senior Bowl, he’s a surefire top 10 WR in this Draft class Plucks the ball out of air and lays down a ruthless stiff arm pic.twitter.com/aVQgHhi9BL — Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) February 4, 2018

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Stalk Blocking: Hamilton is a high effort player, which shows up in his stalk blocking. He is consistent in trying to get the job done, despite that fact that he can occasionally get overpowered. He does a good job of being aware of the ball carrier’s path and keeping his hips between the DB and the runner.

Versatility/Positional Value: Hamilton played almost exclusively in the slot at Penn State and, with his route running prowess and understanding of leverage, will almost certainly do so at the next level. He has the size, frame, and footwork to beat press coverage if a team is inclined to occasionally move him outside. He can run routes at all levels of the field, and with his body control can win in the intermediate and deep portions of the field nearly as well as underneath.

Availability: No injuries of note, and has played in 51 games throughout his college career.

Upgradeable Traits:

Production – (214 catches, 2,842 yards, 18 touchdowns)

Character – Has a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and is working on his second degree from Penn State in Telecommunications. Both of his parents were members of the United States Marine Corps. He helped raise and tutor his autistic brother.

Effort – Consistent effort and a dedication to his teammates show when he is playing without the football.

Downgradeable Traits:

Age – Born March 10, 1995. Will be 23 years old on Draft Day.

Final Grade: 4.5 – Late 2nd Round to Early 3rd Round Grade

More video analysis:

DaeSean Hamilton Moment ???? https://t.co/UpkynARIHk — NFL Draft Videos (@NFLDraftVideos) February 4, 2018

WR DaeSean Hamilton (@SkeeterMills__) – Penn State

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