Safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the most dynamic and intelligent defensive backs in the NFL. He is ultra-talented, making plays at the line of scrimmage and in coverage. He can also play anywhere he is needed. It makes him possibly the most valuable defensive player in the league, and when he has high praise for someone, you know that player is special.
The Baltimore Ravens’ secondary was horrendous in 2024, giving up the second-most passing yards in the league, but that was not due to a lack of talent. They have a mix of proven veterans and rising stars heading into this year, and two of those on the rise are rookie safety Malaki Starks and second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins.
At his press conference following Friday’s training camp practice, Hamilton had the utmost praise for Starks and Wiggins. Everyone knows the potential the two have, but hearing Hamilton say it confirms that the Ravens have the league’s next great defensive back duo.
When asked about Starks, Hamilton was unbelievably impressed.
“[Malaki Starks] does amazing stuff without even trying, and he probably doesn’t even know that he’s doing it,” Hamilton said. “I think he knows the playbook more than I did [when I was a rookie], he’s confident out there, he’s talking. He’s just so willing to learn and be a sponge, and it’s very admirable for somebody his age.”
His view on Wiggins’ potential was not much different.
“I think [Nate Wiggins] is gonna be one of the best in the league,” Hamilton said. “He’s competing at a high level. Super excited to see what he does in year two, and I think he’s probably gonna have one of the bigger jumps from last year to this year than anybody on the team.”
Wiggins and Starks are the NFL’s next elite duo
Wiggins and Starks may be on the rise, but the duo may already be two fearsome defensive backs. Wiggins had an outstanding end to his rookie campaign, using his athleticism and competitiveness at the catch point to lock down receivers. He has playmaking ability to take the ball away, and with his speed, he is always a threat to take it the other way for six points.
For Starks, he has yet to take the field for an NFL game, but the information surrounding the rookie in offseason activities has been spectacular. Coaches have endlessly commended his efforts both on and off the field. He is showcasing intelligence and versatility, but is also already taking on a leadership role, an area that he is prioritizing in his rookie year.
While we will have to wait and see how the new unit performs on the field in 2025, it should be vastly improved from the disastrous 2024 season.