The Los Angeles Rams saw countless contributions from its 2023 rookie class, helping vault the team back into playoff contention. Fifth-round EDGE rusher Nick Hampton played sparingly during his first season in the NFL, yet could he surprise in his sophomore campaign?

CBS Sports writer Chris Trapasso named Hampton among five players on his “out of nowhere” breakout team heading into the 2024 season. Trapasso acknowledges Hampton is not a typical breakout candidate, but anticipates the Appalachian State product could “quietly become an efficient outside rusher.”

“GM Les Snead and Co. have attempted to reloaded up front, and in a vital situational role, I’m most pumped for Hampton in Year 2. This is a former Appalachian State star, who at his best, generated 52 pressures on a mere 268 pass-rushing snaps, which equates to a huge 19.4% pressure-generation rate.

The concern with Hampton translating to the NFL was size and pro-caliber strength. He was 6-foot-2 and 236 pounds at the 2023 combine. But now he’s had a full year as a professional and an entire offseason to add bulk and power to his game. In college, Hampton won with sheer explosion off the snap, tremendous bendiness around the corner, a devastating inside crossover, and an advanced collection of pass-rush moves. Now, presumably, he can move offensive tackles backward with a speed-to-power rush.”

Hampton became more of an afterthought on a defense that featured star rookie playmakers like Byron Young and Kobie Turner.

He played in just 10 games last season, starting zero while registering four combined tackles and one pass defensed. The second-year linebacker played 66 defensive snaps (10%) in his 10 appearances. However, the coaching staff worked him into the lineup slowly, gradually increasing his snaps later into the year.

As that play against Washington demonstrated, Hampton has the ability to stay disciplined enough on the edge to make an impact play. Hampton needed a partial “redshirt” season to adjust to the pros. The Rams would likely welcome a breakout campaign from him to fuel the defense following Aaron Donald’s departure and assist rookie pass rushers Jared Verse and Braden Fiske.

LA has several young players that could make a sizable impact in 2024. Nick Hampton could realistically become the next to surprise in Hollywood.