John Harbaugh shares how he envisions Kyle Hamilton fitting into Ravens defensive scheme
The Ravens deployed a strategy of letting the 2022 NFL Draft come to them last weekend, and it worked out tremendously. Baltimore had one of the more impressive hauls of any team in the NFL, and it was led by drafting former Norte Dame safety Kyle Hamilton at No. 14 overall.
During an introductory press conference for Hamilton and fellow first round pick, former Iowa star offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens coach John Harbaugh shared how he envisions Hamilton fitting on the Baltimore defense.
“Kyle’s a very, multi-purpose type player,” explained Harbaugh. “He can play deep half, he can play deep in the middle, he can come down and play dime, he can play nickel. He plays man coverage, he plays zone coverage, and he tackles people. And he blitzes. We’re going to get him his first sack of his career here before long.”
In three years at Notre Dame, Hamilton totaled 138 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, 16 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. He is widely-viewed as a dynamic and versatile safety, and he’ll make an instant impact on the Ravens defense.
It’s evident John Harbaugh couldn’t be more excited to get Kyle Hamilton to Baltimore. Nobody expected the former Notre Dame star to fall to No. 14 overall, but the Ravens have no complaints.
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Furthermore, prior to the draft, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn’t think there was any way Hamilton would be available for the Ravens to pick at No. 14. But when Baltimore came on the clock on Thursday night, Hamilton was there and they made the easy decision to scoop him up.
“Ravens head coach John Harbaugh just told the story to @ReceDavis of S Kyle Hamilton visiting the team before the draft,” ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted. “Harbaugh asked Hamilton: “Why are you here?” figuring there would be no way he’d make it to 14. As it turned out, Hamilton did and Baltimore got a value.”
The NFL Draft can be fickle. Nevertheless, the board worked out positively for the Ravens on numerous occasions last weekend.
Hamilton’s rookie deal with the Ravens is a fully guaranteed four-year, $16.2 million contract that includes a $9 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option for the 2026 season.