Former Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton impressing in NFL, named a breakout candidate
Former Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton seems to have had one of the better NFL rookie months in recent memory after being taken No. 14 overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. In addition to receiving rave reviews from nearly all draft experts, Hamilton has continued to impress during the Ravens’ rookie minicamp and organized team activities (OTAs).
“Hamilton absolutely looks like someone who belongs on an NFL field and who is ready to make an immediate impact in this league,” said Garrett Downing, the Ravens director of social media and host for video content. “He moves well, and his instincts are excellent.”
Downing added Hamilton’s soft hands have been impressive, as he sails through defensive back pass-catching drills with few hiccups.
Additionally, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said last week that “Kyle is as good as advertised.”
“He’s doing the things that we expect him to do,” Macdonald said, adding that all rookies make mistakes, but Hamilton’s ability to correct said mistakes while learning an entirely new playbook has been excellent.
Macdonald should have one of the most versatile defensive back rooms in the NFL heading into the 2022 season, and Hamilton is up there as one of the reasons why.
PFF names Hamilton a breakout candidate to watch
Hamilton’s name is commonplace amongst rookie of the year discussions, but Pro Football Focus thinks his ability to stand out extends beyond just the first-year crop of players. PFF’s Kambui Bomani recently named six AFC breakout candidates and included Hamilton among them.
“Hamilton fell into Baltimore’s lap in the middle of the first round, most likely because his slower-than-expected 40-yard dash tanked his stock,” Bomani said. “However, the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder has absurd length and fantastic eyes in coverage, and he is still one of the most explosive athletes in the class. He recorded 22 combined pass breakups and interceptions in his three-year college career — and only five Power Five safeties have recorded more than 15 over that span.
“Hamilton was a true playmaker at Notre Dame, and he now joins a Ravens secondary that recently added safety Marcus Williams and already has Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters.”
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Also on the list for AFC breakout candidates are Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Buffalo Bills receiver Gabriel Davis, Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks, Los Angeles Chargers corner Asante Samuel Jr., and Indianapolis Colts EDGE Kwity Paye.
Burks, the No. 18 overall pick in this spring’s draft out of Arkansas, is the only other rookie on the list.
