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New York Jets: 3 Sleeper targets at wide receiver in 2018 NFL Draft

By Stephen Smith

STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Marcell Ateman
STILLWATER, OK - OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Marcell Ateman /
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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 24 yard touchdown reception against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a 24 yard touchdown reception against the Washington Huskies during the second half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Nittany Lions defeated the Huskies 35-28. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State

The 6-1, 205-pounder was born in Okinawa, Japan and finished his career with the Nittany Lions as their all-time leading receptions leader (214). He also holds the single-game mark for most catches in a game (14), set when he was a freshman against Ohio State. Hamilton concluded his excellent career in Happy Valley by being named to the second-team All-Big Ten contingent in 2017 after collecting 53 receptions for 857 yards and nine touchdowns.

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A Communications major, Hamilton performed well recently at both the Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine game. He is a known as being a precise route-runner with reliable hands and average speed. He’s not a burner but he projects to be a solid slot receiver on the pro level in the near future. Hamilton can make the tough reception in traffic and he holds onto the ball once contact is made. He was the team captain for the Nittany Lions and is known as an outstanding team leader.

Hamilton teamed with Saquon Barkley to give Penn State one of the most dynamic offenses in the Big 10. He was especially effective on third down and goal line situations where he made a myriad of clutch catches. In his final game, Hamilton recorded five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns to lead Penn State to a 35-28 victory over Washington in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.

On the negative side, Hamilton does not have a strong initial burst off the line of scrimmage. He has issues getting past press corners at times. He’ll need to succeed on the NFL level with precise route-running instead of quickness and acceleration. Hamilton also has to improve his blocking skills as well.

With time, Hamilton should be able to turn into a viable slot receiver in the NFL. He has superior character traits and the Jets would be wise to consider drafting him in round four or later.

(Projected Round: 4)

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