Rams LB Nick Hampton Excited to Join Team, Play Alongside Aaron Donald
One of the newest members of the Los Angeles Rams, linebacker Nick Hampton is ready to get to work with his new team.
The Rams drafted Hampton out of Appalachian State with the No. 161 pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Now, the rookie pass-rusher is ready to get to work with his new team. Hampton said he talked with the Rams regularly before the draft and believes he fits in well with their defensive system.
"I had a good bit of communication with them (before the draft)," Hampton said Saturday. "I fit their defense because it's the same as what we did at Appalachian State."
L.A. clearly sees potential in Hampton, a two-time All-Sun Belt selection. In 50 career games with the Mountaineers, Hampton had 175 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, and 26.5 sacks. He is one of three edge rushers the Rams drafted, alongside Tennessee's Byron Young at No. 77 and Nebraska's Ochaun Mathis at No. 189.
Even among Hampton's excitement to join the Rams, there's one defender specifically he wants to work with. That player is, of course, star defensive lineman Aaron Donald.
"Being alongside a superstar, just soaking up knowledge from him, just being alongside him, just getting better each day working alongside each other," Hampton said.
Hampton described getting the phone call from the Rams as an "amazing feeling."
As a late-round pick, Hampton will have to earn every bit of playing time he gets as a rookie. However, it appears he is more than ready for that challenge.
"When I get there, we still got work to do," Hampton said.
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