2018 NFL Draft Profiles: Da'Shawn Hand
- Tyler Webb
- Jul 11, 2017
- 2 min read
Da’Shawn Hand, Defensive End, Alabama
6’4, 282 Lbs, Senior 4.64 40 Yard
Da’Shawn Hand is a freak of nature type player, or as Alabama likes to say, a defensive linemen. With names like Jarran Reed, A’Shawn Robinson, and Jonathan Allen keeping you from getting playing time, Hand certainly observed how to become an elite defensive prospect from a far. Da’Shawn Hand was a 5 star recruit, the nation’s best defensive end, and the 5th best overall recruit ranked by 247Sports for the class of 2014. He earned that ranking by stacking up 21 sacks in his junior season alone, which averaged out to over 2 a game. Of course when you're coming to Alabama though, a 5 star rating doesn’t mean you will see the field much early. Hand has only notched 6 sacks in his 3 seasons with the Crimson Tide, and finished last season with just 21 total tackles. He has had to split reps with NFL prospects, but is finally set to take the reins of this Crimson Tide defensive line next season.
Watching the tape with Hand, you can see the strength that he possesses as he consistency pushes offensive tackles deep into the pocket. As a freshman at Alabama, Hand bench pressed 225 Lbs over 40 times, which has only been done once in the last 5 years of the NFL combine. His first step off the ball isn’t very fast but he does show a strong bull rush and the football IQ to read a play, and track it down. Da’Shawn lines up at defensive end, but at 282 Lbs I believe he could play a similar role you see Michael Bennett and Solomon Thomas playing at the next level. Though coming out of high school as the nation's best defensive end, Hand will only be a one year starter for the Crimson Tide. Many ask the question of is the talent lacking, or is it just the fact Alabama has had NFL defensive lineman every season Hand has been enrolled. This will be the last chance Hand has to prove that he still has the skills that earned him a top 5 ranking in 2014.
Possible Landing Spots: 20th-30th
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys could use a lot of new faces across their defense, and Da’Shawn Hand is the perfect change for Jerry Jones’ locker room. Hand could see himself fall right into the Cowboys lap, and he would plug a major hole that Dallas has been looking for since DeMarcus Ware left the team.
Seattle Seahawks - Every year it seems like the Seahawks make the biggest finds in the draft, and this year might be a lot easier than the past. With their edge aging, Hand could be a great fit and line up with former Tide player Jarran Reed.
Green Bay Packers - The Packers managed to only sack the quarterback 4 times last season. In 16 games. Aaron Rodgers needs more help than that if they look to go back to the Superbowl, and would love to have a talent like Hand on the roster.
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