Ravens' Kyle Hamilton is taking a commanding presence as he embraces new role
Kyle Hamilton was one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Baltimore Ravens snagged him with the 14th overall pick. His rookie year had a twist, though. Hamilton didn't play a traditional safety role. With Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters on the outside, Hamilton played more in the nickel role inside […]
Kyle Hamilton was one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft, and the Baltimore Ravens snagged him with the 14th overall pick. His rookie year had a twist, though.
Hamilton didn't play a traditional safety role. With Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters on the outside, Hamilton played more in the nickel role inside and close to the line of scrimmage.
Things will be different in 2023 as Hamilton will get back to his roots on the back end with safety Chuck Clark now with the New York Jets after six seasons in Baltimore. When defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald was asked how the transition is going for Hamilton, he had nothing but praise for the second-year defender.
“Kyle has had a great three days and really, we’re asking our guys back there to have production on the football, and he’s been there," said Macdonald on Friday. "The tempo right now prevents us from really making plays on the ball, but in games, I think you’re going to be able to see that he’s going to be able to get back there, and I think you see his range during practice. The game’s slowing down for him for sure. He’s taking a commanding presence back there making calls, so [I’m] very pleased with where he’s at.”
Although his role was slightly altered, Hamilton had a productive rookie campaign with 62 tackles (four tackles for loss), five pass breakups, two sacks, and a forced fumble. But getting back to what he's used to doing should provide even better results.
Hamilton certainly seemed confident that will be the case when talking about his new role during OTAs.
"I feel like I can slide into that role for sure and perform at a high level," Hamilton said back in May, via the team's website. "I feel like that's what the Ravens drafted me for and that's what I'm here for, and I feel like I can definitely produce."
Baltimore has the bodies in the secondary, which recently got even deeper with the signings of cornerback Arthur Maulet. So it allows the Ravens to put Hamilton back in his natural spot.
Hamilton is a team player, though. If needed, his willing to showcase his talent in multiple areas.
"We have a very deep secondary, very deep defense as a whole. You've just got to get in where you fit in and I feel like I can fit in at a lot of spots," Hamilton said. "If they need me at nickel, for sure. If they need me at dime, no doubt. Safety. If they need me at three-technique, I'll try to make it happen."
The Ravens have to love hearing that from one of their cornerstone pieces defensively going forward.
Feature image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
