2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nick Hampton (LB – Appalachian State)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Nick Hampton.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Nick Hampton (LB – Appalachian St.)

Nick Hampton (LB – Appalachian St.)

6’3″ – 235 lbs.

Background:

Redshirted after three appearances as a true freshman, then saw his role expand from a rotational one (287 snaps for 24-6.5-5.5 in 2019) to a part-time starter (384 snaps for 42-6.5-3.0 in 2020) to a starting role in which he broke out to the tune of 68-17.5-11.0 in 2021. Missed a few games due to injury this past year but still ended up with a solid line of 39-9.5-7.0.

Positives:

Four-year contributor and team captain with excellent production over the past two seasons. High-motor player with more physicality than his size would suggest. Dangerous pass-rusher for the past two seasons. First step is explosive. Able to win with quickness on the edge; can challenge the outside with speed and work his way back in. Active with his hands and has a viable rip move. Good ankle/hip flexibility to work around the edge. Redirects smoothly to the passer. Generally gets good extension with his arms to lock out blockers. Doesn’t let his rushes undermine his run fits. Nice discipline as the read man and when on the backside. Fast and rangy in pursuit, with an impressive closing burst and the ability to track down some ball carriers from behind. Reliable tackler who’s only missed 12.4% of his career attempts; appears to have a solid radius as well. Willing to get physical with opposing receivers when shaded over the slot.

Negatives:

Probably needs to gain another ten to fifteen pounds to stay on the edge at the next level, as anticipated. Can be slow to locate the football when playing the run; sometimes gets sucked in and gives up the outside. Contact balance is inconsistent. Technique with his hands is still raw, and will occasionally lapse into throwing his body around. Lacks a deep repertoire of counters, causing him to get stuck on blocks when his initial move is unsuccessful. Not the type of player who’s going to walk back opposing tackles with a violent bull rush. Aside from 2021, hasn’t done too much work in coverage.

Summary:

An interesting developmental prospect who has the first-step explosiveness, flexibility, and closing burst to potentially develop into an effective pass-rusher at the next level but who will need to bulk up a little bit and develop a more diverse repertoire of moves and counters as a pro. Path into the second day involves showing up at the Combine weighing around 250 pounds and showing that he can retain his athleticism at the higher weight; otherwise, might be more of an early third-day pick who will need a couple of years to develop and adjust to the higher level of competition.

Projection: Round 3-4