(2023)Nick Hampton-EDGE/OLB-Appalachian State
Nick Hampton
EDGE/LB
6’3, 235
RS Junior
2022 Statistics (Per PFF)
*(Ranking is not applicable, played 9 games, 184 pass rush snaps)
Write-Up:
Nick Hampton is a hybrid edge rusher/outside linebacker who played 5 collegiate seasons at Appalachian State. His first season (2018) was a redshirt year, with essentially no action. Over the next 4 seasons, Hampton produced exceptionally well, posting 133 pressures and 30 sacks, including a career best 52 pressures and 12 sacks in 2021. Hampton did miss a few games this season with injuries, and overall his production did fall off from his lofty 2021 season. In terms of alignment, Hampton was mainly used as a 5-tech edge rusher, though was often put as wide as possible in 7 or 9-tech situations. He also saw reps as an off-ball linebacker.
Nick Hampton might be one of the most explosive edge rushers in this class. His burst off the line of scrimmage is almost second to none, and his immensely quick first step allows him to put himself into fantastic positions to create pressure. Hampton has immense speed off the edge, and is extremely dangerous when attacking the outside edge of any blocker. Hampton does not just attack the outside edge however, he also possesses some extreme bend and slipperiness that he utilized to also attack the inside of blockers. He routinely slipped through blockers and could shed blocks in order to create chaos in the backfield. When in the backfield, Hampton is a very secure tackler, and his athleticism puts him in position to make plays that other players simply just couldn’t. His athletic ability does also give him the opportunity to work in space, and he does have some semblance of cover ability in his game.
Despite all of the positive aspects that Nick Hampton puts on tape, there are some issues that are going to drop him in the Draft. Unfortunately, much like fellow edge rusher Nick Herbig, his size is going to be a major concern for many NFL teams. At the moment, he simply is not likely to hold up against some of the supersized and super athletic tackles that are all over the NFL. Like I said about Herbig, it is a shame that size becomes the main detriment despite many of the good things that they do on the field, but plenty of teams are going to want these two to play as off-ball linebackers rather than edge rushers purely because of their size. In terms of other concerns, there is a distinct lack of power as a rusher for Hampton. He mainly relies upon his speed and burst, which can make him a bit one-dimensional.
Overall, there is so much to like about Nick Hampton. His speed and explosiveness bursts off the film. He has great bend and agility. He is a really solid tackler. But the reality is that his size will lower his draft stock heavily. Still, there is a good chance that a team falls in love with his skillset, and finds a way to fit him into their scheme. From the get go, Hampton should be an elite special teamer and potentially a rotational pass rusher, but I truly do believe in the player enough for him to find an almost every down role for a team savvy enough to find a spot for him.
Draft Projection: Late Rounds 3-5
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