Cleveland Browns: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft, Vol. 7
By Peter Smith
Round 5: 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″
3-cone: 6.97s
Shuttle: 4.26s
Bench: 14 reps
A theme throughout, this draft is all about giving the Browns options and versatility in their secondary. Saquon Hampton offers the ability to back up Damarious Randall, an area of concern, but he’s also another player that can contribute as a slot defender. And if the Browns are unable to get a deal done with Randall on an extension, Hampton could be an option to take over at free safety in 2020.
Hampton has length and elite athleticism as someone that can play over the top of a defense in zone or as someone who can play the flat and under cut routes to the sideline. Hampton is an excellent read and react defender that is comfortable and aggressive making tackles in space with pretty good technique, wrapping opponents up around the hamstrings to take them to the ground. Hampton seems like he gets worse at tackling the more crowded the area he’s working, more likely to catch than dictate.
Hampton is someone that could come in if the Browns want to run a two-high defense, moving Thornhill into the slot, allowing Hampton and Randall to divide the field in half and come up to make plays on the football. While his role would initially be as a role player and depth behind Randall, he does have the upside to be a significant player.
If the Browns and Randall are unable to get a deal done and it drags on into the season, it’s possible that Hampton, Thornhill or the combination of both could make the organization comfortable enough to let Randall test free agency to see if he can get the contract he’s looking for. If he’s unable to get it, the Browns can sign him at their number. If not, they could have their safety tandem of the future.