It’s finally happened! The pick that has Saints fans in a frenzy asking “who?” Saquan Hampton is a 6’1″ 206 pound box safety with speed (4.48 40) and size and is a name that you should know as he’s been drawing eyes since the combine. He has a ton of experience covering kickoffs and punts as well and Saints Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi did say Saturday would be Special Teams day. This guy fits right in with the raw grit of teammates Justin Hardee and Chris Banjo. This could potentially relieve Chauncey Garnder-Johnson in special teams play so he can focus on his nickel/slot role.
Hampton isn’t a household name coming out of Rutgers but he was a three-year starter who missed some time due to injuries his Sophomore and Junior years while playing every game his Senior year. He adds valuable depth at the Safety position as he’ll slide into the third or fourth Safety slot. Team Captain his final season with Rutgers where he also compiled 5 career interceptions and 7 tackles for a loss. However, it’s not just his defensive play that caught the eye of the Saints. It was, again, his special teams value.
Hampton hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Rutgers DB Devin McCourty. Hampton will be developmental but should be able to fight for a spot on the roster for his ST contributions. He has some of the tools to be reliable depth as well with his ability to track the ball, keep up with anyone on the field, and affect the catch point.
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Keep in mind that the Saints are through addressing their needs outside of potentially Interior Defensive Line. The idea of these last three selections making the roster is a little tough so they’ll be looking at prospects like Hampton that can do multiple things. Hampton should impress in training camp as his post-combine work started to skyrocket his draft placement.
It’s finally happened! The pick that has Saints fans in a frenzy asking “who?” Saquan Hampton is a 6’1″ 206 pound box safety with speed (4.48 40) and size and is a name that you should know as he’s been drawing eyes since the combine. He has a ton of experience covering kickoffs and punts as well and Saints Special Teams Coordinator Darren Rizzi did say Saturday would be Special Teams day. This guy fits right in with the raw grit of teammates Justin Hardee and Chris Banjo. This could potentially relieve Chauncey Garnder-Johnson in special teams play so he can focus on his nickel/slot role.
Hampton isn’t a household name coming out of Rutgers but he was a three-year starter who missed some time due to injuries his Sophomore and Junior years while playing every game his Senior year. He adds valuable depth at the Safety position as he’ll slide into the third or fourth Safety slot. Team Captain his final season with Rutgers where he also compiled 5 career interceptions and 7 tackles for a loss. However, it’s not just his defensive play that caught the eye of the Saints. It was, again, his special teams value.
Hampton hopes to follow in the footsteps of former Rutgers DB Devin McCourty. Hampton will be developmental but should be able to fight for a spot on the roster for his ST contributions. He has some of the tools to be reliable depth as well with his ability to track the ball, keep up with anyone on the field, and affect the catch point.
Keep in mind that the Saints are through addressing their needs outside of potentially Interior Defensive Line. The idea of these last three selections making the roster is a little tough so they’ll be looking at prospects like Hampton that can do multiple things. Hampton should impress in training camp as his post-combine work started to skyrocket his draft placement.
Follow Ross on Twitter @RossJacksonASC
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