Hamsah Nasirildeen 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 210 lbs
School: Florida State University Seminoles
2021 NFL Draft: Hamsah Nasirildeen Player Profile
In 2017, Hamsah Nasirildeen was recruited as a 4-star High School recruit. Offered by several big name schools like Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, and more, Nasirildeen opted to play for the Florida State Seminoles. In his freshman season at Florida State, Nasirildeen recorded 29 total tackles, and two passes defended.
In his sophomore season, Nasirildeen lead his team with 91 tackles, and also recorded two passes defended, along with his first collegiate interception. Due to his versatility, he was beginning to make a name for himself as one of the top safeties in the nation. He played all over the field; in the box, at free safety, and even took some snaps on the defensive line and at slot corner. His versatility made him a very helpful player for the Seminoles.
Nasirildeen hit his peak during his Junior season in 2019. He recorded 101 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, and three passes defended. The leap he made in year three was enough to earn him the accolade of second-team all-ACC. Unfortunately, Nasirildeen suffered a devastating ACL tear in the final game of his Junior campaign. This prevented him from declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft. Hamsah was able to come back and play two games in 2021, where he recorded 13 tackles, an interception, and a pass defended. Nasirildeen proved that he can still play very well despite the injury.
Strengths
- Very versatile player who can play all over the field;
- Great size, able to get off blocks;
- Consistent tackler for the most part;
- Excellent balance and “relaxed” play style;
- Great in coverage, able to play a slot corner role.
Weaknesses
- Injury history could haunt him;
- Very slow compared to other safeties;
- Does not make special plays very often;
- No standout ability to read plays;
- Lacks the measurables you would want to see in an NFL defender.
NFL Comparison: A much less athletic Isaiah Simmons
Similar build and play style to Simmons, but does not have anything close to the measurables that Simmons does.
Teams With Need at Position: New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints
Projection: Late 2nd – Early 3rd round
Bottom Line on Hamsah Nasirildeen
Hamsah is a terrific safety who can do anything a coach asks of him. He can effectively fit the run in the box, play deep in coverage as a free safety, cover a running back or tight end in man coverage, be a quarterback spy, or cover a slot receiver. Hamsah can end up being a great value pick for any team in the late second round to the early third round.
If he gets integrated in the system quickly and can understand the way everything works, do not be surprised if he goes off and has a great rookie season. There are plenty of safeties in this draft class, but of them all, Hamsah is definitely the most versatile. He can fit to any scheme and help any defensive scheme immediately.
Hamsah’s injury history and lack of measurables may scare some teams away from picking him. Regardless, Hamsah knows how to play football. If he can just stay healthy, and if he lands in the right spot where he can be utilized properly, do not be surprised if he goes out there and plays at a very high level.
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