The Baltimore Ravens selected Kyle Hamilton with the 14th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Hamilton attended the University of Notre Dame from 2019-2021 and was a standout safety for the program. In three seasons at Notre Dame, Hamilton amassed 138 tackles and eight interceptions. Hamilton’s 2021 season was cut short due to a knee injury, but his draft stock was not impacted, as he was still a second-team Associated Press All-American. Hamilton was also a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. All of these accolades were apparent in Hamilton’s rookie season, as he was a key piece in the Ravens’ defensive success. Hamilton’s athleticism and versatility give Baltimore a myriad of options in one player, something that every team is seeking.
Kyle Hamilton is Ravens Most Versatile Defender
Kyle Hamilton is Baltimore’s Swiss army knife. Hamilton was drafted as a safety but has shown an ability to play anywhere in the secondary. In 2022, Hamilton split snaps between safety and cornerback, often blitzing effectively from the slot. Hamilton was delegated to cornerback due to the Ravens’ depth at safety, but with players such as Chuck Clark now in New York, Hamilton may see more action at safety this season.
Although Hamilton can play both cornerback and safety, his versatility would be vastly limited if moved to the safety position full-time. Hamilton is a big, strong, sure tackler, so it only makes sense for him to play close to the line of scrimmage. In 2022, Hamilton led all defensive backs with an 18.2 pass rush win rate in 33 snaps according to Pro Football Focus. Hamilton showed uncanny pass-rush moves from a safety and recorded 48 tackles and two sacks on the season.
Going into 2023, the Ravens expect a big leap from Kyle Hamilton, a player that made weekly strides last season. Hamilton gradually improved his pass coverage, often and effectively closed on short routes and recognized screen plays in the backfield. Hamilton made a name for himself by eliminating tight ends and playing physical press coverage on slot receivers. Ultimately, Hamilton posted a PFF score of 82.3 and was also rated highest among safeties with an 86.9 PFF grade.
The highest-graded safety in the NFL this season
Kyle Hamilton 👀 pic.twitter.com/vrGRDpfcHY
— PFF (@PFF) November 22, 2022
Hamilton’s Potential Can’t Be Ignored
Standing 6′-4″ and weighing 220 pounds, Hamilton is considered big for a defensive back. Evoking the physical attributes of a tight end, Kyle Hamilton has been dubbed “the tight end stopper” by fans in Baltimore. Hamilton can play virtually any position on defense, and the Ravens look to take advantage of that versatility. Hamilton is the ultimate unicorn, proving the ability to play over the top and downhill effectively. As a bigger player, Hamilton is naturally a big hitter. Labeled an intimidator by analyst Lance Zierlein, his NFL comparison was Kam Chancellor, one of the most memorable defensive backs in recent times. Hamilton’s athleticism is a spectacle and can be attributed to his family’s athletic background.
Kyle Hamilton received a scholarship to play college basketball before ever receiving a football offer. By measurements, Hamilton could have been a prototypical shooting guard but chose a more physical path. Hamilton’s size and athleticism come from his father Derrek, who played basketball at Southern Miss and was drafted into the NBA in 1988. Tyler, Hamilton’s brother, also played college basketball, attending the University of Pennsylvania. With that being said, it makes sense why Hamilton has ball skills that can be compared to chasing a rebound. Going into 2023, the Ravens will have to figure out what’s best for Hamilton. Although versatile, a jack of all trades is a master of none. Hamilton has the potential to be great wherever he plays, and Baltimore is excited about the prospect they have at hand.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
