Western Kentucky University WR Curtis Hamilton may not be the biggest, strongest or fastest receiver entering this year's draft, but that hasn't stopped NFL teams from taking a special interest in the wideout. After having watched the player on film, I came away with a complete understanding why teams find him so intriguing. He's a straight baller!

Based on the film and what I learned about the receiver from two NFL scouts, Hamilton can be classified as a diamond in the rough.

The 6-foot, 196-pounder accounted for 1,408 all-purpose yards for the Hilltoppers in '07 and is best known for his competitive nature and overall receiving skills. Hamilton was leading the nation in receiving yards in '06 until he dislocated his elbow in game six of the season. Hamilton missed two games due to the injury, but the season he had in '06 is what put him on the map. However, some teams have been keeping the little-known receiver under wraps but the word is out.

A slew of teams that include Arizona, Kansas City, Tennessee, Denver, Green Bay, Chicago and Cleveland have expressed interest in the receiver. Chicago and Cleveland are the teams showing the most interest. Hamilton flew to Chicago to meet with the Bears' organization at the end of March and a member of the Browns' scouting department was a regular at Western Kentucky home games.

Hamilton wasn't invited to the Combine but his Pro Day numbers were comparable to the receivers who participated in the event.

Hamilton doesn't have blazing speed, ran a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash at the school's Pro Day, but has a knack for getting open and shows good burst out of his breaks. He specializes in running after the catch and has the ability to take it to the house. Hamilton can elevate 36-inches to rise above defenders and snag a pass in heavy traffic.

At the school's work out he banged out 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Only one receiver at the Combine, Eddie Royal of Virginia Tech, did more reps on the bench press than Hamilton.

There is no question that Hamilton has ball skills. Coming out of high school he received offers to play football at Arkansas and Vanderbilt, but broke his foot his senior year and the teams backed off. Hamilton has been a solid performer during his four-year career with the Hilltoppers and a guy with good character to boot.

Hamilton's agent, Nate Haber, insists that some team is going to get a well-rounded receiver should they pull the trigger and draft his client.

"Curt is a playmaker, period," Haber said. "He might not have world-class speed, but he's a football player, not a track star. He runs crisp routes, shows soft hands, and is able to create after the catch. He works hard and he's going to impress whoever gives him a chance."

NFL scouts agree that Hamilton may be one of the best kept secrets at the wide receiver position in this year's draft.

See Hamilton video here: http://www.bigcprofootball.com/video/