4 players the Ravens must build around (not including Lamar Jackson)
By Kristen Wong
1. Kyle Hamilton, S, Ravens
It should come as no surprise that the 2022 first-rounder is hailed as one of the team’s brightest young stars for the future. Adding Kyle Hamilton to an already stacked secondary admittedly creates a bit of a logjam at safety, but trust Mike Macdonald to figure it out in due time.
As one of the best safety prospects the league has seen in years, Hamilton has great odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and should make an immediate impact in the pass defense this season.
Given the Ravens’ tried-and-true philosophy of developing their young players, Hamilton could quickly grow into a mainstay of Macdonald’s new-look defense.
Whereas Don Martindale had a penchant for blitzes and playing man coverage, Macdonald’s track record at Michigan reveals he’s fonder of simulated pressure and playing a variety of coverages, potentially creating the perfect environment for a versatile and talented safety like Hamilton to flourish in.
In 2022, Baltimore may roll out more three-safety packages consisting of Hamilton, Chuck Clark, and Marcus Williams, and if the team’s refitted defensive scheme proves successful, Hamilton could have a magnified role in the defense for a long, long time.
Could we see the second coming of Ed Reed as Hamilton kickstarts his career in the NFL? It’s much too early to tell, but being able to even propose such a comparison bodes well for the Ravens’ future.
Next. 4 most important Ravens players who are not starters. dark
Kyle Hamilton, along with the Ravens’ other gifted darlings, has the power to change the franchise for the better and usher in newfound success, much like one young quarterback talent did four years ago.