Damar Hamlin
DB, Pittsburgh · 2021 NFL Draft, Round 6, pick #212 (BUF)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: pre-draft rankings. Details below.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #118 overall (#8 at his position), but he lasted until pick #212: teams let him slide 94 spots past that ranking.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53.2% of the time (654 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
23 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.4% of the time (2,127 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Pittsburgh: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.60 40-yard dash at 200 lbs: faster than 11% of DBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.2% of the time (1,232 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DB (DB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.7% of the time (1,116 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 53 of ~85 possible regular-season games from 2021 through 2025 (~62%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 59 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 2 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 11 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 1.1 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 12.1 |
| Defense | 139 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2021 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2021 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Slid 32+ picks past ESPN's rank | 53.2% n=654 | |
| Age 23 | 50.4% n=2,127 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Bottom 25% at his position | 50.2% n=1,232 | |
| Position DB | 50.7% n=1,116 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 0", 200 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.60 s |
| Bench press | 18 reps |
| Vertical | 35" |
| Broad jump | 118" |
| 3-cone | 6.93 s |
| Shuttle | 4.4 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.25" / 9.25" |
| Age at draft | 23 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #118 overall (#8 DB) |
Picked around him 2021 redraft
| 209 | Jalen Camp | redraft #229 |
| 210 | Victor Dimukeje | redraft #138 |
| 211 | Demetric Felton | redraft #180 |
| 213 | Rachad Wildgoose | redraft #189 |
| 214 | Cole Van Lanen | redraft #103 |
| 215 | Brady Breeze | redraft #219 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.