Through three weeks, the Baltimore Ravens' safety room has been underwhelming. To be clear, this isn't Kyle Hamilton's fault, as he's playing a more versatile defensive back role. Most of the problems center around 2025 first-round pick Malaki Starks and 2026 free agent signee Jaylinn Hawkins.
Starks has a 45.4 PFF grade, while Hawkins has a 55.2 PFF grade. Furthermore, they have both given up over 100 yards in coverage. This duo isn't cutting it.
While moving Hamilton to the back end of the field could be a viable solution, his versatility is such a weapon. What about giving Keondre Jackson a real shot, though? That's something I'd explore.
Despite their struggles, both Starks and Hawkins have played nearly every snap. Starks has played in 99.4 percent of snaps, and Hawkins has played in 90.3 percent of snaps. Jackson, on the other hand, has played in just one defensive snap all season. He's been a playmaker on special teams, though, recording three tackles this season, and he even blocked a kick against the Dallas Cowboys.
Plus, Jackson was a standout in preseason and thrived in limited opportunities last season, including forcing a fumble. There's no doubt in my mind that Jackson has done enough to earn a real chance, especially with how lackluster Starks and Hawkins have been.
Keondre Jackson would energize the Baltimore Ravens' defense
Obviously, I'm not saying Jackson should earn a starting role. That wouldn't be realistic. Regardless, giving him some real snaps, in place of either Starks or Hawkins, is a reasonable ask. Heck, they could even use all three of these safeties together. Starks and Hawkins could remain in the back of the field while Jackson and Hamilton could wreak havoc across the field.
Either way, Jesse Minter has to find a way to give Jackson a chance.
In preseason, Jackson proved that he has a knack for making big plays. He operates like a bull in a china shop (complimentary), roaming around the field at full speed, always finding ways to make tackles. Jackson's energy could be contagious for a Ravens defense that, frankly, could use a shot in the arm.
As hinted at earlier, he can move around the field like a versatile chess piece, which makes him an ideal fit in Minter's system.
By all accounts, Jackson could be a boon to the Ravens' defense, and there's no harm in giving him a chance to prove himself.
Whether Minter will call Jackson's name on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans remains unclear. However, it's crystal clear to me that he's earned this opportunity.
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