Kyle Hamilton leads NFL safety rankings for second consecutive year
Hamilton Tops Safety Rankings Again
Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens has been voted the top safety in the NFL for the second consecutive year. This ranking was determined by a poll of league executives, coaches, and scouts. For the third year in a row, Hamilton has placed in the top two of these positional rankings.
An AFC offensive coach highlighted Hamilton’s physical attributes and versatility, noting his size and ability to play both nickel and safety. The coach also emphasized his talent as a cover player, his effectiveness against the run, and his impact as a blitzer, making him a significant factor in game planning.
According to one report, when Hamilton was on the field last season, opposing quarterbacks had a QBR of 49, compared to a QBR of 90 when he was off the field. Over his first three years in the league (2022-2024), Hamilton was the only defensive back to achieve at least 15 tackles for loss, five sacks, and five interceptions. He followed this body of work with a first-team All-Pro performance.
Other Top Safeties and Player Movements
Derwin James Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers was ranked second in the poll. Other safeties in the top ten include Xavier McKinney of the Green Bay Packers at third, Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions at fourth, and Jessie Bates III of the Atlanta Falcons at fifth. Nick Emmanwori, Antoine Winfield Jr., Budda Baker, Kerby Joseph, and Calen Bullock rounded out the top ten.
Branch, who was selected by the Lions in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft, has adapted well to the safety position, recording seven interceptions and 38 passes defended in three seasons. However, Branch sustained a torn Achilles in December and is expected to miss at least the first month of the season. Joseph, also of the Lions, ranked ninth but is dealing with a knee injury that has led to uncertainty regarding his availability and future with the team.
In other news, wide receiver Stefon Diggs is among the free agents still seeking a team as training camp approaches. The Ravens have been mentioned as a potential suitor for the four-time Pro Bowler. Diggs, a native of Gaithersburg, played college football at the University of Maryland. One analyst suggested Diggs would be a good fit for both the Ravens and the Washington Commanders.
The Ravens already have Zay Flowers, who is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. The team is also looking for Rashod Bateman to have a strong season, Devontez Walker to improve in his third year, and rookies Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt to make an impact. One commentator noted that for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, adding Diggs could provide stability.
Smith and Jackson’s Rankings
Inside linebacker Roquan Smith was named to the ‘NFL Top 100’ for the fifth consecutive year, ranking 65th. Smith has been a consistent performer for the Ravens since joining the team midway through the 2022 season. He has made four straight Pro Bowls and was a key player for Baltimore’s defense last season, leading the team in tackles.
Smith also had the highest quarterback pressure percentage of his three full seasons with the Ravens last year. Earlier this week, he was ranked as the second-best off-ball linebacker in the league. Smith is one of three Ravens players on the ‘NFL Top 100’ so far, joining Flowers (71st) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (69th).
Jackson’s ranking on the ‘NFL Top 100’ has sparked discussion. One analyst suggested that voters should reconsider his placement. Jackson has previously responded to lower rankings by winning his second MVP award and achieving consecutive No. 2 rankings. Former quarterback Cam Newton ranked Jackson third among quarterbacks, placing him ahead of Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, but behind Matthew Stafford and Patrick Mahomes.
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Source: baltimoreravens.com
