Ravens S Kyle Hamilton Looking For Big Strides In Year 2
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton is looking to build off his rookie success as he enters his second NFL season.
The No. 14 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Hamilton already had a strong showing as a rookie. Despite starting just four games, he was a key piece of the Ravens' secondary with 62 total tackles and five passes defended. It took Hamilton a bit to find his footing, but it was a smooth ride once he did.
With a year of experience under his belt, Hamilton now knows what it takes to play at his best. The key to that success? Letting loose and not overthinking.
"I just felt like I was young, getting reps, and the more reps I got, the more comfortable I felt, and I'm sure that's a common theme throughout the league," Hamilton said Tuesday. "And at a certain point, I just told myself [to] just let loose. I don't play well when I'm playing tight or thinking too much. When I just let loose and go, that's when I play my best. So, that's what I try to do, and while doing that, play within the defense, as well, and make the right plays."
Another key point of emphasis for Hamilton this season is consistency. After his strong run of form to end the season, he is now aiming to maintain that level of play throughout the entire year.
"At this level, consistency is everything, Hamilton said. "It's, 'What have you done for me lately?' in terms of your success and stuff like that. So, last year, I guess I ended well, but at the same time, I've got to replicate it and be consistent this year – minimize mistakes, maximize good plays. So, that's probably what I'm taking into this year."
Hamilton may also be playing a slightly different role this season as he strives for that consistency. He didn't see many snaps at safety as a rookie, but has been getting plenty of them throughout OTAs. To Hamilton, this slight change in role is just part of the learning process.
"But yes, there's still a lot to learn, for me, back there at that position at this level, given the lack of experience I had last year," Hamilton said. "But like I said, I'm learning new stuff every day, making new mistakes and getting more comfortable day by day."
Hamilton was a valuable addition to the Ravens' defense last season, and should only become more valuable with more experience.
Follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on TwitterRavens Alert!
