2021 NFL draft: Pittsburgh safety Damar Hamlin could be Day 3 target for Chargers

Gavino Borquez
·2 min read

Offensive line, cornerback and edge rusher are seen as the obvious positions that the Chargers must address this offseason. But safety is one that Los Angeles should elect to tamper with, as well.

Rayshawn Jenkins is a pending free agent. Derwin James has experienced major injuries the past two consecutive seasons. Nasir Adderley is coming off of a sophomore slump. Alohi Gilman’s sample size of playing time is small.

After addressing positions of need in the first two days of this year’s draft, the third day would be the most ideal time to deepen the secondary with a safety and one that could be a target is former Pittsburgh’s Damar Hamlin.

Hamlin, a four-star cornerback, came in as the highest-rated defensive player from the state of Pennsylvania. He was recruited by defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill, who served as the Panthers’ secondary coach at the time.

After dealing with injuries his first two seasons, Hamlin was moved from corner to safety in 2019, where he and Paris Ford, one of the top safety prospects, formed a solid tandem.

In 12 games, Hamlin amassed 84 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one interception and ten passes defensed. He followed that up with another productive campaign, totaling 66 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and seven passes defensed.

Hamlin, the 6-foot and 201 pounder, was one of two safeties in Pittsburgh’s defense which was a mixture of man and zone coverage. At times, he came into the box or played the single-high role when they would mix up their looks.

Hamlin is a diverse, tough, smart and well rounded defensive back who shows great coverage ability and ball skills, as well as excellent tackling in space and traffic. The former basketball and track athlete displays his athleticism when closing on pass-catchers.

For the Chargers, Hamlin would be a versatile player who can be a part of a two-high safety set, used in the box or lined up in the slot across from tight ends. His play speed, tackling ability and competitive nature would serve him well on special teams, too.

Overall, the need for safety depth and special teamers and familiarity with Hill should be selling points for Hamlin when Day 3 of the draft rolls around.