Since he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft, safety Kyle Hamilton has established himself as not just one of the best safeties at his position but the best in the NFL. You can argue that he is one of the top defensive players in the NFL, right up there with Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Patrick Surtain Jr, and Maxx Crosby.
Baltimore knows a thing or two about having a great defensive player at the safety position. Rod Woodson and Ed Reed, for example. Hamilton is the latest, and he's been exceptional over the past three years.
Kyle Hamilton Ranked As Top Safety In NFL
The NFL itself agrees on how good Kyle Hamilton is. ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches, and scouts on the top safeties in the NFL. They ranked their personal top-10 players at the position, and Kyle Hamilton is placed right at the top. Last year at this time, Hamilton was placed at second behind Antoine Winfield Jr. In the excerpt, an NFL personnel director said:
"All-around best player: Size instincts, production, blitz ability"
An executive in the AFC described Hamilton as:
"Great player, scheme specific. In his role, he's very good. He can't man cover and does not have elite range, that's why teams with quicker receivers can have success against him."
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes:
"In 2023, he was the only safety with at least 10 tackles for loss and 10 pass deflections. He added three sacks and four interceptions yet finished second behind Antoine Winfield Jr. in the top 10 ranking. This year, he was down significantly in each of those categories yet received more than 60% of the first-place votes. The reason is simple: His value transcends numbers."
"He is one of five players over the past two seasons with 15 pass breakups, five interceptions and multiple forced fumbles."
Entering his fourth year, Hamilton looks to take another step in his development, and it could get even better with rookie first-round pick Malaki Starks now next to him. Hamilton is also seeking a new contract extension, which should provide him with extra motivation to have a great 2025 season.
Hamilton's skill set is as complete for a safety in the NFL, and he transcends the talent. He and Roquan Smith also make a great defensive duo in a way similar to Reed and Ray Lewis. Hamilton is a player who could win the Defensive Player of the Year award one season.