The case for signing Victor Hampton

It has been over a week since the NFL draft concluded and one Gamecock is still waiting for the phone to ring.

Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Hampton, who was projected as a 2nd-5th round draft pick, has been forced to sit and wait as teams around the league begin rookie minicamps without him. Plenty of people have given reasons why teams are skeptical of Hampton, but are those concerns valid? Here is the case for Victor Hampton:

1. His character issues have been overblown

Here’s a timeline of Victor Hampton’s problems during high school and his first year of college: Committed to Florida, Gators backed off after he was dismissed from one of his high school teams, signed with South Carolina, arrested for underaged drinking two days after signing, kicked off the team the summer after his redshirt year before eventually being reinstated, slapped with a three-game suspension to begin the 2011 season.

Here’s a timeline of Victor Hampton’s problems during his last three years of college: Didn’t start two games of his junior year, arrested for a dispute with his sister.

I’m no psychologist, but that seems to paint a picture of a guy who has greatly matured since high school. Add in that Hampton was a leader on a highly successful college team and a regular speaker for at-risk youth in Columbia during his playing days and he doesn’t seem like a huge risk for an NFL roster.

2. He shut down receivers who were drafted and outperformed corners who were drafted

Sammy Watkins was the fourth player selected in this year’s draft and the all-time career receptions leader at Clemson. When he faced Victor Hampton, he averaged five catches for 56 yards. Odell Beckham went 12th overall and was an all-conference receiver at LSU. When he faced Victor Hampton, he caught two passes for 21 yards. Jared Abbrederis was drafted in the sixth round and is tied for Wisconsin’s all-time career receptions record. When he faced Victor Hampton, he caught five passes for 30 yards.

Hampton had more tackles and tackles for loss than 2nd-rounder Stanley Jean-Baptiste, more interceptions than 3rd-rounder Phillip Gaines, and more solo tackles and interceptions than fourth-rounder Jaylen Watkins (who also played in the SEC).

If you turn on the game tape, there is no denying that Hampton can play the game and can play at a high level. With teams trying to fill their rosters, what more are they looking for?

3. His 40 time wasn’t good, but players with worse are in the NFL

Hampton ran a 4.69 at the combine, the worst of any cornerback in 2014. However, in 2012 alone, R.J. Blanton ran a 4.70 and went in the 5th round, DeQuan Menzie was also drafted in the 5th round after running a 4.74, D’Anton Lynn ran a 4.77 and was signed a day after the draft ended, Leonard Johnson ran a 4.71 and signed two days after the draft.

Victor Hampton has had issues, but he’s also had great success. After trying to become a better man and being a solid player for three seasons, it’s time for someone to give him a chance.