No, this isn't the younger brother of Ken Hamlin. In fact, Clemson safety Michael Hamlin has very little in common with the former Seahawk safety, other than size.
While Ken Hamlin has the physicality of a top-flight safety, he lacks the mental side. For Michael Hamlin, the opposite is true.
From the outset of his college career, Hamlin began collecting awards, earning second-team freshman all-American honors. He peaked as a senior, making first-team all-ACC.
To continue...
Strengths
Hamlin was one of the top playmakers in the country at the safety position. He finished his career with 14 interceptions, including six as a senior.
He's very good at playing the ball while it is in the air and attacks it at its highest point. From there, he has the soft hands to snag the interception.
Hamlin was the quarterback of the defense for Clemson and displayed a strong ability to read the opposing offense. As a leader, he was voted permanent team captain his junior year.
Against the run, Hamlin is quick in support and has the physicality to shed tacklers. Once he reaches the ball carrier, he reliably wraps up and will make the occasional big hit.
Weaknesses
Hamlin is a player that relies on his instincts and football intelligence to get by. Physically, he lacks both speed and agility, and despite good size (6-foot-2, 214 pounds), he does not display overwhelming physicality.
At the NFL combine, he finished in the bottom half of the safety class in all the speed drills, including the 40-yard dash, the 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle.
This has led to questions over whether he can adequately play deep coverage in the NFL, rendering him a possible jack of all trades, master of none.
How does he fit in Seattle?
It's no secret Seattle needs help at the safety position, both in terms of starters and depth. Hamlin could provide the latter immediately and the former in a couple years.
Hamlin's greatest asset to the 'Hawks is his ability to play the ball while it's in the air, which will help against big-play receivers such as Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald.
At the moment, Seattle lacks a player with Hamlin's versatility at the safety position. They have actually lacked that for years.
Draft position
Menatally and production-wise, Hamlin is as good as any safety in the draft. It's physically where he falls short.
As it stands, he is projected to go in either the third or fourth round, and this is unlikely to change.
With a strong crop of safeties ahead of him, it's more likely Hamlin slips rather than rises, especially considering his slow 40-times.
Highlights:
Draft Preview: Michael Hamlin - The best free videos are right here
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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