Selected: Fifth round, 166th overall
Size: 6-2, 214
School: Clemson
POSITIVES
The Cowboys need more intelligent, high-character players, and they got one in Hamlin. His teammates voted him a permanent captain as a junior at Clemson, where he started four seasons. He is a vocal leader who studies hard and excels at the mental aspect of playing safety, including reading the quarterback's eyes and making sure his teammates are in the proper alignment. He's a former high school wide receiver with good ball skills (14 career interceptions). He times his jumps well, fights for the ball in traffic and has strong, sure hands. He has good size and is a reliable tackler who doesn't hesitate to get involved against the run.
NEGATIVES
Hamlin, who primarily played zone coverage at Clemson, might not be able to play man coverage against NFL receivers and some tight ends. He doesn't have great speed (4.62 40). There are also concerns about his hip fluidity and ability to change directions. While Hamlin doesn't shy away from contact, he isn't a big hitter or intimidating presence in the middle of the field.
COWBOY FIT
Hamlin, who will be a strong safety, could become the first member of this draft class to crack the starting lineup. He would have to beat out Gerald Sensabaugh, who started in Jacksonville before signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys, but that should be an interesting training camp competition. He's expected to immediately contribute on special teams, especially the kickoff and punt coverage units.
SECONDARY COACH DAVE CAMPO
"Smart. He gets everybody lined up and has good ball skills. ... He's a physical guy. He'll be an excellent special teams player. Other than Sensabaugh, we don't have really a true strong safety body ready to go. We've got some guys that are playing the position, but he's a physical strong safety type of guy. He can play in the box and he can play off. ... Down the road, hopefully he's going to be a really good player. Right now, he gives us a big upside, because he's smart, he can learn the defense, he's physical, he can be a good special teams player. There's a lot of positives with him. ... I think he can (play man coverage). He's got work to do, but he hasn't covered a lot of guys one-on-one. He has to learn to do that. That's why we're having him go one-on-one out here. He was a center fielder, a guy who would run around and go get the ball. He's been more of a ballhawk-type guy, which is what we want. The cover part of it will take care of himself. We'll get that going. ... He's a good tackler. He should be fine there. He's going to get you on the ground. He's going to hit you. He'll stick his nose there. He's big and he's got good strength. He's a typical safety in my mind."
SCOUTING REPORTS
Scouts, Inc. (ESPN Insider)
DraftCountdown.com
NFL Draft Scout (CBSSports.com)
