Cobi

Hamilton

Hamilton (6-foot-1 3/4, 212) lacks top-end speed and is more of a possession receiver who catches slant routes and breaks tackles. He’s also a solid blocker on the outside. Hamilton doesn’t project as much more than a No. 4 or 5 receiver for the Bengals. He’ll compete for a roster spot this summer.

Hamilton (6-foot-1 3/4, 212) emerged as Tyler Wilson’s go-to target as a senior, catching 90 balls for 1,335 yards (14.8 YPR) and five touchdowns. Hamilton lacks top-end speed (4.56 forty) and has small hands (8 3/4") with a tendency to let passes get into his body rather than secure them naturally. His biggest plus is physicality, as Hamilton is a post-catch tackle breaker and fierce blocker with some Anquan Boldin to his game. The team drafted a possession receiver in Sanu last year, and Hamilton wins underneath on slants and crosses.

Hamilton was Tyler Wilson’s top target at Arkansas last season, racking up a 90/1355/5 line. But the sixth-round rookie ran a mere 4.56 at the Combine and failed to distinguish himself as a possession receiver at camp. Hamilton is a candidate for the practice squad. He lost out to Dane Sanzenbacher.

Hamilton was the Bengals’ sixth-round pick last April. He spent all of 2013 on the practice squad after being drafted out of Arkansas. Hamilton will be a long shot for a 2014 job behind A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, Andrew Hawkins, and Mohamed Sanu. The Bengals also have Dane Sanzenbacher and Ryan Whalen.

Hamilton was waived from Carolina last month. He’s not more than a depth signing, but has practice squad eligibility.

Hamilton caught the game-winning 26-yard score in OT, the third touchdown pass by Landry Jones. The Steelers rested all their key starters, leading to more run for Hamilton out wide. He’s been operating as the No. 3/4 receiver in recent weeks, but Darrius Heyward-Bey and Sammie Coates are now healthy.

Hamilton was an exclusive rights free agent the Steelers decided to get out of the way early. A 2013 sixth-round pick of the Bengals, Hamilton caught the first 17 passes of his career in 2016, and saw snaps in all three playoff games. Despite the early re-up, Hamilton will be far from assured of making the 53-man roster.

Sadly enough, Hamilton spent big portions of the 2016 season as the Steelers’ No. 2 receiver, particularly down the stretch and during the playoffs. Pittsburgh will replace him in that role with Martavis Bryant this year.

Hamilton was waived by the Steelers at final cuts. Even with Jaelen Strong coming off suspension this week, the Texans are preciously thin at receiver. A 2013 sixth-rounder, Hamilton made his first 11 career appearances last season, catching 17 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns.

Hamilton was the star in this one, beating ex-Steeler Valentino Blake for a 44-yard gain in the second quarter and later dusting him again on a 28-yard touchdown reception just prior to halftime. A former practice-squadder, Hamilton played a surprising number of snaps last season but will likely have his role scaled back now that Martavis Bryant is back from serving a one-year suspension.