The Baltimore Ravens have seen a dramatic midseason turnaround in every way imaginable. As a whole, they have rebuilt their season. Once a 1-5 team entering their Week 7 bye, they are now sitting at 4-5 through 10 weeks with a very realistic shot of making the playoffs and winning the AFC North.
The offense was never too much of a worry. While the unit was horrific when quarterback Lamar Jackson went down with a hamstring injury, the emergence of backup quarterback Tyler Huntley saved the season in the team’s Week 8 win over the Chicago Bears. Since Jackson returned, the offense’s operations have steadied.
It was the defense that raised significant questions during the Ravens’ utterly abysmal start. They ranked at or near the bottom of the NFL in several defensive categories through the first seven weeks. However, the trade with the Los Angeles Chargers for safety Alohi Gilman has changed the game. Gilman has had a strong start to his Baltimore tenure. However, it is versatile safety Kyle Hamilton who is once again proving he is perhaps the most valuable defender in the league.
Kyle Hamilton continues to prove he might be the NFL’s most valuable defender
Everyone was introduced to Hamilton's value in his 2024 campaign. He already cemented himself as a top safety in the NFL ahead of then, but his ability to help the Ravens’ defense go from worst to first that year was unbelievable. He is doing it again in 2025.
Since acquiring Gilman, Hamilton has played closer to the line of scrimmage. Whether it has been in the box, rushing the passer, or playing slot corner, Hamilton is doing it all. Since the transition, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit has yet to allow more than 19 points in a game, and Hamilton has his fingerprints all over that accomplishment.
ESPN is backing up that argument for Hamilton being one of, if not the most valuable defender in the league. They recently constructed a power rankings list ahead of Week 11, listing each team’s most valuable non-quarterback, as well. The Ravens came in at number 15, and of course, Hamilton was the easy choice for the non-QB MVP. Ravens’ reporter Jamison Hensley wrote:
“Since Baltimore moved Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage in Week 6, the Ravens have been one of the best defenses in the league. Baltimore has given up an average of 14.5 points over the past four games, which ranks third best in the NFL in that span. Hamilton brings an air of unpredictability because offenses don't know whether he is blitzing or dropping back in coverage. As a result, the Ravens have totaled more turnovers forced (eight) than touchdowns allowed (five) since shifting Hamilton inside the box.”
It is fair to say there are not many non-quarterbacks in the NFL who can have as big an impact as Hamilton. In terms of defenders, Hamilton and the Cleveland Browns’ defensive end Myles Garrett might be the only two players to have such an impact. Even then, Hamilton’s versatility is unlike any other.
Somehow, Hamilton is not among the favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, but regardless, he is having a career year. The effect Hamilton has on the game does not show up on the stat sheet necessarily. He does not have any sacks or interceptions to his name, has just one forced fumble and 50 tackles, but his impact is being felt.
Hamilton has posted an 82.6 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, which is the best among safeties. He is also an elite threat in coverage and as a pass rusher, turning in an 85.4 coverage grade and an 81.7 pass rush grade.
Hamilton’s genius has helped propel Orr’s group to one of the top in the league in recent weeks. While they have beaten up on some mid to lower-level teams, they have faced some competitive offenses. If Hamilton continues to play at this high level, there is no doubt that Baltimore can clinch a playoff berth this year.