2023 NFL Draft: Malik Hamm DE/OLB
NFL Draft Prospect Malik Hamm was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year twice at Lafayette.
Malik Hamm was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year twice at Lafayette and the only player in conference history with five All-Patriot League selections. The DE/OLB from Baltimore recorded 8.5 sacks this season and finished his career with a program high 32.
Hamm has the versatility to play in multiple schemes and can play an outside linebacker role. He dropped into coverage and lined up over the slot more than anticipated when I watched him against Penn this year.
“The scouts always tell me you’ve got to be able to drop into coverage,” Hamm said. “My coaches put me in a position to show that and I greatly appreciate that. Your best ability is availability. I’m just trying to show that I can play different positions on defense.”
Hamm won two Patriot League DPOY awards with his ability as a pass rusher, but his athleticism and position versatility could help him make an NFL roster.
“I try to have a good get-off. My coaches always tell me a good get-off allows you to be a better pass rusher. Everything stems from getting off the ball fast and showing your athleticism around the edge,” Hamm said.
After John Garett was relieved as Lafayette’s head coach in 2021, Hamm entered the transfer portal before John Troxell was hired. Hamm received FBS offers from UConn, Western Kentucky, Bowling Green, James Madison, and Marshall. He ultimately rejoined the Leopards after conversations with Troxell.
“We had a coaching staff change so before the new staff I was like I might as well explore my options. Coming back to Lafayette was like coming to a new team because you’ve got a whole new coaching staff.”
“As soon as I met coach Troxell he showed me who he was and the staff he brought in. Immediately I trusted and believed in him. I wanted to come back for him and my teammates. Playing one more year with those guys made my senior year special.” Hamm said.
Lafayette finished the season with a 4-7 record, facing a talented batch of FCS opponents. Hamm recorded 49 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, and three forced fumbles.
When Lafayette faced in-state rival Lehigh in the final game of their season, Hamm and the Leopards' defense were on the field holding a 14-11 lead with seconds remaining in their season.
Hamm pressured Lehigh QB Dante Perri on consecutive plays, concluding the season with a game-winning sack. Lafayette-Lehigh is the most played rivalry game in college football history, with 158 meetings dating back to 1884.
“Going out with a win is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. To end it on a sack and say I helped clinch it and made a play during the game feels amazing. It made it that much more special,” Hamm said.
Hamm grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and played for City High School. Hamm played at the Ravens M&T Bank Stadium in a rivalry game against Baltimore Polytechnic.
“One of the reasons I committed to Lafayette is that the rivalry with Lehigh is similar to my high school rivalry, the City-Poly game. They're both older rivalries.”
“I was a part of the last City-Poly game played at M&T Bank Stadium. That moment was special because I had a crazy game and we were a part of history,” Hamm said.
Hamm participated in the NFLPA Bowl in January. He recorded three tackles, a forced fumble, a quarterback hit, and a pass breakup during the game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. He’ll participate in a local pro day sometime in March.
Hamm was drafted by the Pittsburgh Maulers in the second round of the inaugural USFL College Draft, providing another professional opportunity.