Kyle Hamilton Is ‘Reaching Lamar Jackson Territory’ for His Impact on Defense
Kyle Hamilton is widely regarded as the best safety and most versatile defensive player in the NFL. His impact on the Ravens’ defense cannot be overstated.
“He’s reaching Lamar Jackson territory for his importance to the defense,” 105.7 The Fan’s Cordell Woodland said on “Glenn Clark Radio.”
Mentioning anyone in the same breath as the two-time MVP is the ultimate compliment, and it’s an apt comparison. Hamilton elevates those around him on defense, as Jackson does on offense.
“Wherever Kyle Hamilton is on the field, he’s a first-tier force multiplier, and that’s just not something you can say about most players throughout pro football history,” Athlon Sports’ Doug Farrar wrote. “Even the truly great ones. Kyle Hamilton’s greatness lies in the fact that he’s a Pro Bowl-level player in so many spots, and when you put it all together, you have a valuable and versatile defender the likes of which no other team has.”
Hamilton’s ability to excel at multiple positions has been invaluable in the defense’s turnaround in the second half of last season and over the past month this season.
“Obviously, moving Kyle Hamilton up into the box, that’s the key,” Woodland said of the defense’s recent improvement. “It changes their defense dramatically. … Whatever the issue is, send him there. If we need somebody to get after the quarterback on third down, send Kyle Hamilton. If you’ve got a running back you’re having trouble guarding on some of those choice routes, send Kyle Hamilton. If they’re killing you with some of those bubble screens, send Kyle Hamilton.
“Last year, [the Ravens] needed Kyle Hamilton to be the deeper safety to cut off some of those splash plays they were giving up. Now this year, [they] need Kyle Hamilton to be closer to the line of scrimmage so he can generate more pressure, so he can generate more splash plays for the defense, and he’s done that as well.”
When Head Coach John Harbaugh was asked Monday why Hamilton is so good, he said: “Good genes, I think; probably good genes. He is talented. But the other thing is, versatility is not just talent; it’s also understanding the game and also studying. He’s got to know a lot. There’s a lot he has to know, process and understand about the gameplan, and I just think he kind of knows the whole defense. He probably could line up in any position. We’ll keep him away from nose guard, how about that? You can play him at all the other ones. But, he’s special that way.”