When an NFL player can do everything, they are often deployed in ways that don't highlight their strengths. Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the best defenders in the league, largely because of his versatility. He can play as a deep safety, roaming the field and eliminating passes down the field. Or, he can play near the line of scrimmage, highlighting his ability to make plays against the run and quick passing situations.
After the Ravens traded away Odafe Oweh in exchange for Alohi Gilman, the move was criticized by many fans and experts. Gilman was expected to serve as a backup while Hamilton and rookie Malaki Starks held down the starting roles. Meanwhile, Baltimore was losing one of its most explosive players on the defensive line, potentially losing its best chance at a formidable front.
The results could not have been more different. The acquisition of Gilman has allowed Hamilton to move into the slot more often, making him the focal point of the Ravens' defense and showcasing his best skills. Oweh may be thriving with the Los Angeles Chargers, but this move was still a win for Baltimore.
Kyle Hamilton has been his best self since Ravens traded for Alohi Gilman
After April's draft, the Ravens seemed to have the perfect setup in their secondary. Starks was set to join Ar'Darius Washington as a deep safety, freeing Hamilton up to disrupt offenses however defensive coordinator Zach Orr saw fit. Unfortunately, Washington suffered an Achilles injury before the season started, throwing the Ravens back into the issues they were trying to escape. Hamilton was once again forced to spend most of his time as a deep safety.
Gilman has quietly solved the same problem Baltimore tried to fix in the offseason by taking those restrictions off the superstar safety. Before the trade, Hamilton was averaging less than 10 snaps per game in the slot. Over the last four games, that number has skyrocketed to over 25 snaps per game. The star safety is playing closer to the line of scrimmage, allowing him to make more plays.
The change has clearly affected the defense as a whole. Since the move, Baltimore has allowed less than 20 points in each of its four games, a feat only accomplished once before the move.
Hamilton's transition back into the slot may end up being one of the keys to reviving the Ravens' season. With Marlon Humphrey (Baltimore's primary slot defender) sidelined this week against the Cleveland Browns, the safety will likely see nearly all of his snaps in that position. If the current trend continues, the quiet genius of this trade will just be highlighted even more.