Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft, Vol. 6

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 05: Saquan Hampton #9 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrates after a tackle against the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at High Point Solutions Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Round 5 (via NE): Saquan Hampton, S, Rutgers – 6-1.25, 206 pounds

44 solo tackles (10.8 percent), 13 pass deflections (23.6 percent), 3 interceptions (33.3 percent) in 2018.

Age: 23 (Dec. 12, 1996)

40-Yard Dash: 4.48s
Broad Jump: 125″
Vertical Jump: 36.5″ (Pro Day)
3-cone: 6.97s (Pro Day)
Shuttle: 4.26s (Pro Day)
Bench: 14 reps

With the way the Browns have been building their defense, the hope is they look at some of their acquisitions as interchangeable parts so they can emphasize talent over role. So while Eric Murray and Morgan Burnett may be listed as safeties, they should be used more as defensive backs that can play in the slot as opposed to just safeties. That would enable them to go for another really talented player in Saquan Hampton, a player that continues to be underrated out of Rutgers.

The size, length and range to be a true free safety, Hampton is able to come down hill to make tackles and is willing to jam and reroute defenders. He also shows a good amount of ability when it comes to judging and playing the football, able to cause turnovers.

Hampton could be a player that plays a true free safety, providing real depth behind Damarious Randall, which is relatively nonexistent currently. He is someone who can also play as a slot defender in terms of his size and athleticism. Hampton has corner athleticism, but the understanding to play in space which makes him valuable.

One potential role Hampton could fill is in situations where the Browns want to avoid getting beat deep defensively, he can come in and play with Randall, dividing the field in half and taking away deep passes, allowing teammates to be more aggressive in going for interceptions because they are covered over the top.

Hampton is a versatile defensive back, which seems to be what the Browns are going for (or should be), because it just allows them to do so much in varying up how they cover, maintaining depth and increasing competition. He is a very capable defensive back as is, but his profile is of someone who can be a long term starter and potentially far more.

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