Summary

Damar Hamlin was selected in Round 6 (#212 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh. A multi-year starter and team captain at Pitt, Hamlin finished his collegiate career with 275 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 6 interceptions, and 21 passes defended, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors (2020). In the NFL, Hamlin has contributed primarily as a rotational safety and special teams player, with spot starts in Buffalo’s secondary. Through the 2024 season, he has appeared in 50+ career games, recording 90+ tackles, interceptions, and passes defended, while serving as reliable depth in multiple safety roles. Beyond on-field contributions, Hamlin is universally respected for his resilience, professionalism, leadership, and character, earning league-wide recognition for perseverance and community impact.

Strengths

• Football IQ: Understands coverage responsibilities and route concepts and is rarely caught out of position. Executes scheme responsibilities consistently.

• Tackling Technique: Sound fundamentals and reliable wrap-up finisher. Willing to play downhill and fill gaps.

• Zone Coverage Awareness: Effective in split-safety and quarters concepts.

• Resurrection Stone: Hamlin is best known for having his heart stopped and restarted on the football field, coming back to life and using his story to positively impact the community.

Weaknesses

• Top-End Speed: Limited range compared to elite single-high safeties. Limited margin for error if initially beaten.

• Man Coverage Ceiling: Can be stressed by dynamic slot receivers and tight ends.

• Explosiveness: More anticipatory than sudden when closing space.

• Ball Production: Not a high-volume turnover creator at the NFL level.

Outlook

Hamlin is best suited for zone-based, communication-heavy defensive schemes that emphasize discipline, alignment, and collective execution. In Buffalo, he fits well as a rotational safety and depth starter, capable of stepping in without disrupting coverage integrity. His strengths are maximized when paired with a rangier or more explosive safety, allowing him to focus on positioning, angles, and assignment soundness rather than pure range responsibilities. Looking ahead, Hamlin projects as a reliable depth safety, spot starter, and core special teams contributor with strong organizational value. While athletic limitations cap high-end upside, his intelligence, composure, and professionalism give him a high floor and continued roster viability. For the Bills, Hamlin remains a trusted, steady presence whose impact extends beyond snaps played, contributing meaningfully to team culture, preparation standards, and overall defensive reliability.