Nick Hampton Complete NFL Draft Profile (Appalachian State Star Lines Up as Third-Down Specialist)

Appalachian State linebacker Nick Hampton is eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft following his standout college career. A third-team All-Sun Belt player, Hampton created a reputation as a quarterback's nightmare for the Mountaineers and could hear his name called as early as the fourth round in April.

Here's everything you need to know about Nick Hampton heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Nick Hampton Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/26: NFL.com, ESPN, CBS Sports, Walter Football, Sporting News.

Projected Draft Round: Round 4 (1), Round 5 (4)
Projected Team: Rams (2), Chargers (1), Raiders (1), Jets (1)

Nick Hampton Scouting Report

Hampton committed to Appalachian State out of high school and redshirted for one season before stepping into a substantial role. He racked up 24 total tackles (6.5 for loss), 5.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2019 and followed that showing with 42 total tackles (6.5 for loss) and 3.0 sacks in 2020.

The South Carolina native broke out in 2021 with 68 total tackles (17.5 for loss) and 11.0 sacks, earning him third-team All-Sun Belt honors. Hampton finished his college career with 39 total tackles (9.5 for loss), 7.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles in 2022 as he was limited to eight games with an injury.

Highlighted strengths of Hampton's game focus on adaptability as a pass rusher. He has the arm length (33 5/8") to gain an advantage on opposing offensive linemen, the power to work through their chest if needed and the balance to sustain his forward momentum all the way to the quarterback.

Hampton is not a prospect without flaws, though, as he could benefit from filling out his frame even more given the talent that presides along NFL offensive lines. His physical strength is going to be put to the test right away. Nevertheless, Hampton has the intangibles to develop into a decisive starter.

Nick Hampton NFL Draft Prediction

Hampton is an intriguing draft prospect considering he is someone who can come in and make an immediate impact in third and long situations. That is because he can bend the edge with confidence and keep the pocket contained when facing mobile quarterbacks. That is crucial in today's league.

It would be best for Hampton to land with a team willing to let him work through his weaknesses on the field. The Rams stick out as a landing spot as a result. They lost linebacker Bobby Wagner in free agency and haven't re-signed Leonard Floyd, so they lack quality depth in the pass-rushing core.

Hampton proved in college that he is an elite pass-rusher, but he also has the size/speed combination to drop back as a linebacker if that is what the coaching staff wants him to do. Head coach Sean McVay would have a number of ways he could go with what is projected to be a fifth-round selection.

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams (Round 5, 177th overall)

Check out more NFL Draft content from The Duel:

Nick Hampton NFL Combine Results

Nick Hampton Appalachian State Stats

Nick Hampton Appalachian State Highlights

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.