Kyle Hamilton offers high praise for two of the Ravens' young but talented defensive backs
Here's a confession. Though there were plenty of talented players hanging out in the green room during the 2022 NFL Draft, it was apparent early that Kyle Hamilton was the guy the Baltimore Ravens needed to select. As things began to unfold and we neared Eric DeCosta and company being placed on the clock, there was only one potential roadblock.
What might the Philadelphia Eagles do one slot ahead of the Ravens at 13?
It felt like Philly might go the way of taking Hamilton or interior defender Jordan Davis. The latter felt like more of a Howie Roseman selection. The Eagles never take safeties in Round 1, seemingly.
The guess was correct. Philadelphia scribbled Davis's name on a draft card, leaving the door open for Baltimore to get their guy. He was the right choice. Hamilton was added with the 14th selection. They landed Tyler Linderbaum in the first round as well.
Tyler Smith was a sure thing at offensive tackle, but it seemed feasible to ignore him. Jahan Dotson was the exciting young shifty wide receiver, or that's what we thought at the time.
Trent McDuffie was an exciting cornerback, but knowing what we know now, Hamilton was the perfect choice. Just look at how things have transpired since his arrival.
Only three players selected before Hamilton have been voted onto Pro Bowl rosters: Aidan Hutchinson, Derek Stingley, and Sauce Gardner. They were taken second, third, and fourth overall, respectively. Davis has yet to make a Pro Bowl. Hamilton has been named a Pro Bowler twice (2023, 2024).
He was named a First-Team All-Pro in 2023 and a Second-Team All-Pro in 2024. Don't look now, but he's now one of the veteran leaders and one of the secondary's elder statesmen.
Kyle Hamilton offers elite praise to two of his fellow stars in the Ravens' secondary
The Ravens' secondary is expected to take off in 2025. That should be the expectation. Since taking Hamilton in 2022, Baltimore has selected two other defensive backs in the two drafts since then.
Zay Flowers was taken 22nd in 2023. Nate Wiggins was taken 30th in 2024. Malaki Starks was the prize at 27 this past April.
Kyle Hamilton addressed the Baltimore media after a recent Ravens practice session. He was very complimentary of his teammates in Chuck Pagano's secondary.
'(Starks) does amazing stuff without even trying, and he probably doesn't even know that he's doing it. I think he knows the playbook more than I did (when I first entered the league). 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.'
That's high praise for the rookie.
'I think he is going to be one of the best in the league. 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.'
This is going to be fun. Chuck Pagano has come home with unfinished business on his mind. He, Zachary Orr, and John Harbaugh have the talent to get to football's biggest game and win it all. Don't forget this secondary also features All-Pro Marlon Humphrey and newly acquired Jaire Alexander.
There are no concerns about the Ravens' offense. Now, this team has the defensive firepower to be equally as frightening. It's hard to avoid the temptation to be excited about a Ravens team that could potentially be a juggernaut all season long in a very competitive American Football Conference.
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