Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson

Name: Michael Hamlin
Position: S
School: Clemson
Height: 6015 E
Weight: 207E
40 Time: 4.50 E

Athleticism: 6.0
Athletically I was not terribly impressed with Hamlin. He has decent quickness, but is not an especially fluid athlete changing directions especially when supporting against the run. He’s a little high-cut, and while he seems to have good hip flip in coverage, he looks a little stiff in his lower body against the run. There is nothing “bad” here, but nothing that makes you love Hamlin either.
Quickness: 6.0
Balance: 6.0
Fluidity: 5.5

Physical Talents: 6.0
Hamlin’s frame probably does not deserve a 6.0 right now – he looks very skinny for a SS (well, Clemson called him a “CAT” back, but basically SS). However, he looks to have the ability to add weight, which should give him an advantage later on. Right now he doesn’t have the strength needed to play in the NFL but, again, can add strength. Hamlin has decent burst for the safety position but is not a truly elite safety by any means.
Body Type: 6.0
Strength: 5.5
Explosion: 6.0

Polish: 6.5
I was not especially thrilled with Hamlin the first time I scouted him, as he looked tentative attacking the pile. While there are still a few concerns (certainly not recklessly diving into the fray), he isn’t as afraid of contact as he first appeared. He has a good understanding of how to play his position, but occasionally tackles high. One of the most impressive things that stood out to me was how he switched to FS seamlessly when FS Chris Clemons got hurt early in a game – no problems at all. That indicates he has a solid understanding of the playbook.
Understands Playbook: 7.0
Proper Technique: 6.5
Instincts: 6.5

Competitiveness: 6.0
I love proving myself wrong (read my impressions on Matthew Stafford and then read my later scouting report for proof), and I was hoping Hamlin would show me that my concerns about his aggression were not true. Alas, I still have those concerns. It isn’t like he is Deion Sanders or anything, but he does not play with the aggression that I like to see from safeties – Chris Clemons is definitely more into the physical aspect of the game. I did appreciate his overall stead level of play and how he seamlessly played FS in a moment’s notice, but the lack of physicality is not something I like to see.
Toughness: 5.5
Consistency: 6.5
Clutch Play: 6.5
Effort: 6.0

Football Character: 6.0 Good character type with leadership credentials.
Personal Character: 6.5 Can’t find any problems, seems like a good kid.
Durability: 6.0 Has had injuries to both his feet, so that’s a concern, but in general does a good job staying healthy. If his feet aren’t expected to be a problem I’d feel comfortable taking Hamlin.

Read & React: 6.0 Good job making quick reads, but is prone to biting on play action.
Man Coverage: 6.0 – For a safety he has very good man coverage instincts.
Zone Coverage: 6.0 – I’m not sure he has the speed to play in deep coverage, but even without elite speed he should be alright. Good instincts.
Tackling Form: 6.0 – Doesn’t deliver the power behind his hits that you’d like to see, but is a reliable tackler usually.
Hit Power: 5.5 – Doesn’t blow up the ball-carrier at all, more of a drag-down type.
Blitz Ability: 5.5 Hamlin has decent burst, but lacks the elite speed to be a dominant blitzer.
Deep Speed: 6.0 – I’m not convinced he is the guy you want in deep coverage all the time, but he did perform well in the few chances he had running deep.
Block Shedding: 5.5 – Does not have the strength to disengage especially well.
Ball Skills: 6.5 – Has good hands for the interception and anticipates well.
Errors: 5.5 – Bites on play action too much.

Summary: Hamlin has two strikes against him – he’s not a physical, intimidator type safety and he is not in possession of elite speed. However, he does do several things well – he has a nose for the football, is a secure tackler, and is a decent athlete. I think Hamlin is a guy who can stick in the NFL, but I think he needs some time to add weight and work on his reads, but there is the potential he becomes a good player. If he does, however, he will do it with his coverage and decent tackling form (interestingly enough, a decent comparison is Deon Grant with better hands). While he has some value, I don’t see what people are excited for. There are a lot of safeties who become good players because they’re put in the right system and master the mental side of the game, and that will be Hamlin’s key to success, but there is nothing on tape to distinguish him from anyone else.

Final Grade: 5.8

Notes: I reserve the right to change this grade until the 2009 NFL draft.

Games Scouted: UVA, Alabama, and Nebraska