STRENGTHS
Hamsah has the potential to play multiple positions on your defense. He also has the athletic talent to play on the offensive side of the ball. He is a tackling machine with the hands to intercept the ball like a receiver. Hamsah has the change of direction agility to intercept the ball and return it all the way. Because of his ability to catch the ball and change of direction agility, I have no doubt he could return punts on special teams, and certainly, because he is a tackling machine… could be on your cover units. Hamsah has the size, length, mental strength, work ethic, tackling mentality, and potential cover skills of a cornerback, to become the type of defensive player teams can build their defense around. You just have to figure out where you’re going to play him.
CONCERNS
I’m not sure if Hamsah has recovered fully from his leg injury but I am sure that he has the work ethic to recover for sure. His combine workouts will be a big part of his evaluations. Hamsah is a developmental player until you get him on the field and then he seems to be an impact player with developmental skills…big difference.
BOTTOM LINE 1.86
I think the biggest issue with selecting Hamsah is what position in your defense to develop him at? Do you bulk him up and he plays linebacker like Bills Tremaine Edwards or is he a Safety like Jordan Poyer or will he be a cover corner like Miami CB Xavien Howard? That is the type of potential Hamsah has athletically and football IQ wise. He has first-round talent but his workouts will be the key to his draft status. Linebacker Tremaine Edwards ran a 4.5, 10 yards was 1.60 and was a 1st round selection. Safety Jordan Poyer ran 4.5, 10-yard split was 1.51 and was a 7th round selection and Cornerback Xavien Howard ran 4.5, 10 yard split 1.61 and was a 2nd Round Selection. So, what am I suggesting? I’m suggesting that position, will dictate his value to most teams that are struggling to fill positions but teams in the playoffs looking to just add talent might value him differently. For me, I’m looking at him as a weakside linebacker in a 4-2-5 defense, with the talent to cover those big, pass-catching Tight Ends and big receivers on the outside, in the red zone (if necessary). I see untapped cover skills that will surprise a lot of teams and a tackling machine who creates fumbles and interceptions because of his instincts to anticipate at the snap of the ball, to be around the ball on every play.
