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New York Jets 2018 NFL Draft Target: DaeSean Hamilton

By Stephen Smith

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions Lions catches a 48 yard touchdown reception past defensive back Myles Bryant #5 of the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions Lions catches a 48 yard touchdown reception past defensive back Myles Bryant #5 of the Washington Huskies during the first half of the Playstation Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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The New York Jets have an opportunity to add some quality wide receiver depth in the middle rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. One prospect they should target is DaeSean Hamilton of Penn State.

The 2018 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching. Excitement is starting to build. The New York Jets will select their franchise quarterback with the third overall pick. That’s a given. Gang Green then will have selections in round three (72nd overall) and the fourth round (103rd overall). Those mid-round picks will be vitally important as general manager Mike Maccagnan builds his roster with quality prospects.

Or so he hopes.

One player that he should consider drafting to provide solid depth in the wide receiver corps is DaeSean Hamilton of Penn State. The 6-1, 205-pounder was a four-year starter with the Nittany Lions and was named to the second-team All-Big Ten squad last year with a career-high 16.2 yards per reception on 53 catches. He also tallied nine touchdowns, also a career-best.

Let’s take a look at some of his highlights via YouTube:

The Fredericksburg, VA native projects as a slot receiver on the professional level. He is not blessed with dynamic speed but he’s an excellent athlete who can make the acrobatic reception in heavy traffic. Hamilton was one of the main reasons the Nittany Lions finished their 2017 campaign at 11-2, which included a 35-28 triumph over Washington in the Fiesta Bowl. All Hamilton did in that contest was grab five receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns. Not too shabby.

Hamilton has excellent size for a slot receiver. He’s known for completing the tough catch when contact is made. He runs consistent, precise routes and moves the chains on third down scenarios. Hamilton is an intelligent player and a real team leader as well.

The reason Hamilton most likely will be drafted in the third round or later is that he simply is not very quick. His burst off the line of scrimmage is below par. Press corners give him trouble at times and his catch radius is lackluster. His blocking ability is average but could stand some improvement as he makes the adjustment to NFL competition.

Is Hamilton going to remind you of Jerry Rice or Julio Jones? Not for a second. He’s profiles differently. He produces best in the middle of the field. With his reliable hands and disciplined route running, he can eventually evolve into a productive slot receiver on the right team. That team could be the Jets.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

Hamilton will probably not start right away if Maccagnan brings him on board. He does have the potential to be a contributor though in his rookie season and a possible starter a few years down the road.

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