OWINGS MILLS — The Ravens plan to take advantage of Kyle Hamilton’s talent and versatility this season.
He can can be used in multiple ways at safety. He can play cornerback, nickelback and linebacker. And he can rush the passer.
New Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr is eager to see what he can create this season with the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Hamilton.
“Kyle Hamilton is the ultimate chess piece; I think he’s one of the top players in the league,” Orr said. “My goal for him is to one day win [the] defensive MVP … of the league,” Orr said. “I think he has that type of talent, he has that type of work ethic, he’s that type of person. The thing about him being the ultimate chess piece [is], depending on what the offense does, he can play anywhere.”
In just his second season, Hamilton emerged as one of the top safeties and playmakers in the NFL.
Hamilton earned All-Pro honors after setting the Ravens’ single-season record for defensive backs with 10 tackles for a loss. He had 13 passes defensed, which was tied with Detroit’s Brian Branch for the most by a safety this season.
Hamilton had three sacks in the first half against the Colts on September 25th, which tied an NFL record by a defensive back.
His goal this season is to become more of a leader.
“Whether that’s vocal or actually doing stuff on the field, being vocal on the field, off the field and stuff like that, that’s something that the coaches have challenged me [with] doing this year,” Hamilton said. “I’m still a young guy – relatively – but with power comes responsibility, and heavy is the head that wears the crown. I think I’ve said that before, and my mom says that all the time, so it’s her fault.
“But yes, you play well, you’re expected to lead a little more, and I think I’m trying to get a little better at that and get used to it.”
