The Los Angeles Rams lacked consistent pressure from their edge rushers during the 2022 season and they’ve now taken two edge rushers in the 2023 NFL draft. After taking Byron Young out of Tennessee in the third round, the Rams have now used the 161st overall pick on Nick Hampton out of Appalachian State.
Hampton spent all five years of his collegiate career at Appalachian State. In his final two seasons, Hampton combined for 107 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 18 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Here are the reactions that ensued after the Rams took Hampton with the 161st overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Rams just got an absolute steal in Nick Hampton
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) April 29, 2023
Rams add one of the most underrated pass rushers in the class with Nick Hampton. Undersized but plays with his hair on fire. Uses his hands well too and has solid pass rush plan. Can dip and bend too. Dominated UNC: pic.twitter.com/zx1YYkdBFs
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 29, 2023
Nick Hampton, EDGE out of Appalachian State is the pick at 161. More help for Donald. Had a 3rd-4th round grade. rams get him in the 5th.
— Rams Brothers (@RamsBrothers) April 29, 2023
Nick Hampton to the #Rams is an A+ pick.
— JAKE ELLENBOGEN (@JKBOGEN) April 29, 2023
nick hampton is a W pick by the rams
— Alexis Kraft (@TheAlexisKraft) April 29, 2023
161: Nick Hampton LB App State. Small Athletic depth-pass rusher. Theres a theme. Daniel Hardy, Byron Young, Hampton. Rams have a type, but all need development.
— ryan anderson (@RLAndersonLAFB) April 29, 2023
Rams get App State LB Nick Hampton. Was No. 84 on the Freaks List. Blossomed into a tackling machine there. Weighed 200 pounds when he arrived. Grew into an imposing 6-2, 240 pounds. Strong and explosive. Made a lot of big plays. https://t.co/ra7bLu7ANZ
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 29, 2023
The Rams get Appalachian State edge rusher Nick Hampton with the 161st pick. Described as a solid but undersized pass-rusher who could excel on special teams in the NFL.
— Greg Beacham (@gregbeacham) April 29, 2023
