Washington Commanders select Dominique Hampton in fifth round of 2024 NFL Draft
The Washington Commanders have selected Washington safety Dominique Hampton in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 161 overall pick. He spent a total of six seasons playing for the Huskies and will now look to show off his skills at the pro level.
Hampton played 57 total games during his time at Washington to record 190 career tackles, two interceptions, 16 passes defended and one fumble recovery. He earned Honorable Mention All-Pac-12 this past season as he helped guide the Huskies to an appearance in the national championship game.
Hampton had his best season yet in 2023 to lead the team with 109 total tackles along with two interceptions and seven passes defended. He started all 15 games and finished with a team-high 10 tackles in the national title game against Michigan.
Hampton spent the first four years of his college career as a reserve player before moving into a starting role in 2022. He finished that season with 42 tackles and four passes defended.
As a recruit, Hampton was a three-star prospect coming out of Centennial High School in Peoria, Arizona. He ranked as the No. 936 overall player and No. 93 cornerback according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Hampton earned an overall grade of 6.0 at the NFL Combine to rank him 11th among all safeties. His 40-yard dash time of 4.51 seconds ranked him ninth at his position.
What NFL Draft analyst are saying about Dominique Hampton
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided some analysis on Hampton’s game in his recent scout of the safety’s draft profile. He noted the physical attributes such as his length, as he has a 6-foot-7 wingspan while standing 6-foot-2.
Ultimately, his experience and willingness to learn give him the potential to become a dependable player in the league.
“Average game film has to be weighed against his traits and the potential of what he could do with pro coaching. Hampton is big, fast and long, and defensive coordinators can work with that,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s more comfortable operating as a read-and-react high safety than in man coverage. He’s willing in run support, but erratic angles to the tackle and below-average body control can lead to poor positioning and excessive arm tackles.
“Hampton’s traits and potential could sway a team to take him on Day 3 and develop him into an average backup with core special teams value.”