The Baltimore Ravens are looking to have their fifth top-10 defense in the last six seasons in 2023. Well, secondary coach Chris Hewitt thinks one guy will help with that immensely.

Safety Kyle Hamilton, who the Ravens took in the first round in 2022, had a very productive first year in the NFL. There's always room for improvement, though, as there is with any second-year player.

Hewitt sees Hamilton taking the next step this season to the point that he'll be one of the best at his position in the NFL.

“He knows the defense," Hewitt said. "Earlier in the year, he had a lot of growing pains. So, he’s ahead of the plays this year. He’s ahead of the formations, down and distances, and knows really how to play now. We’ll see big things from Kyle. I expect this guy to be a Pro Bowl-type player this year.” 

Hamilton would finish with 62 tackles,  five pass breakups, two sacks, and a forced fumble as a rookie. However, he did so by playing heavily in the slot and close to the line of scrimmage. 

The Ravens will have Hamilton in more of a traditional safety role this season, but he'll still float around in multiple spots in the secondary due to his diverse skill set. Simply put, Hamilton plate will be full.

With more responsibility comes more expectations. In the case of Hamilton, he's building the necessary confidence to meet those standards by being more of a leader, and his teammates believe in him more and more each day.

“Yes. 2023 Kyle and 2022 Kyle, at this time, I feel like are two completely different people, just mentally," Hamilton said on Tuesday. I’m making a lot of checks, a lot of calls back there. It’s kind of cool having guys like Roquan [Smith] and Patrick [Queen] looking for me for checks and stuff like that and being able to give it to them confidently. It’s a big difference from last year, and I feel like that was the biggest step I’ve taken. Not even physically, just mentally being able to lead out there with calls and checks and stuff like that.”  

If the Ravens are going to be a defensive powerhouse once again in 2023, it will be because guys like Hamilton elevated their game. 

Ravens defender is taking a commanding presence as he embraces new role

He’s primed for a big year.

Feature image via Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports