2018 Raiders Draft Prospect: WR DaeSean Hamilton

2018 Raiders Prospect Profile

Name: DaeSean Hamilton

Position: WR

School: Penn State

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 206 pounds

Round Estimation: 3-6

Stats

Hands

In Penn State’s offense, Hamilton needed to catch from all angles. With Trace McSorley trusting his arm to make every throw, Hamilton’s abilities were tested. From laying out to contested passes, Hamilton’s ability to adjust to multiple arm slots, velocity, and directions stands out. In space, Hamilton appears comfortable with catching away from his body.

Speed

While Hamilton will not streak away from defender, his speed will get him downfield. As a result, Hamilton has the “just enough” burst to beat opponents vertically. Too often, people fall in love with the stopwatch. In contrast, Hamilton uses technique to gain separation.

Route Running

From the snap, Hamilton carves a decisive route. With hands and feet in sync, he presents the quarterback with a target and lane to throw. Furthermore, Hamilton uses a shoulder shrug to sell the inside route. In that case, he gives cornerbacks plenty to think about. For example, here is how Hamilton changes a game.

Route Tree

During his career at Penn State, Hamilton operated from the slot. The slant, out and flat passes looked consistently open. When Hamilton lined up outside, the back-shoulder fade was a favorite. In addition, he uses a quick double move to separate on post pattern. Initially, the pattern is supposed to be a post. At times, McSorley threw the ball far to a spot, causing Hamilton to run under it.

Raiders Fit

Although Seth Roberts’ contract counts for 2 million in dead money for 2018, Hamilton could push him down the depth chart. Hamilton is a better route runner with superior concentration and tracking skills. Additionally, he high-points the ball in traffic. Plus, Roberts earned a reputation for dropping passes. If the Raiders want to succeed, minimizing drops sits at the top of the list.

With Michael Crabtree’s status up in the air, the Raiders need sure-handed wideouts. Hamilton would fill the slot role with quickness and precision. Imagine Derek Carr finding him for twelve yards on third-and –nine. Jon Gruden is a stickler for details and crisp rouets. Consequently, the days of sloppiness would cease. Hamilton provides an immediate upgrade. Moreover, he would not cost the Raiders a top-64 pick. Oakland could find him on the third day of the draft. Granted, Hamilton won’t fix all of the Raiders needs, but he would be a building block.