at least for one more year), and then Theo Jackson. Combined, they’re a pretty strong trio, but it’s a cluster of talent that could be a lot better if Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s debut draft went in a different direction, as a recent piece on ESPN helped to show.
Vikings Get Yet Another Reminder of Draft Disaster
Before getting to the ESPN piece, consider what Jordan Reid had to say on the matter. Reid is among the foremost draft experts, so his word carries weight.
The draft wizard offered his take after seeing that Mr. Hamilton was named the NFL’s best safety. “The Ravens don’t make it hard,” Reid begins. “They simply draft the best players available. Despite having the best safety on the list, they drafted another one in Round 1. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Malaki Starks on this list sometime early in his career.”
So, a tip of the cap to Baltimore for their simple excellence.
 before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_19209890.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=785,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_19209890.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/USATSI_19209890.jpg” alt><figcaption>Oct 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
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<p>A season after finishing 2nd in the NFL, the Ravens’ star defensive back claimed the top spot in the league. </p>
<p>The piece from Jeremy Fowler included a thought from an NFL employee: “‘All-around best player: Size instincts, production, blitz ability,’ an NFL personnel director said.” Not too long afterwards, Fowler’s piece layers in another insight from someone else in the NFL: “‘Great player, scheme specific,’ an AFC executive said. ‘In his role, he’s very good. He can’t man cover and does not have elite range, that’s why teams with quicker receivers can have success against him.’” </p>
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So, there’s some sense that Kyle Hamilton has areas where he can still grow — is there a player in the NFL who doesn’t have flaws? — but he’s nevertheless the top-ranked safety according to the ESPN ranking.
Keep in mind the process behind the top-ten list: “Voters gave us their 10 best players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, more than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed helped us break any ties.”
. Hamilton was in the box for 407 snaps, a free safety for 355 snaps, a slot corner for 292 snaps, along the defensive line for 78 snaps, and a wide corner for 18 snaps. PFF gave him a truly elite 90.0 grade for his efforts. </p>
<p>Oh, and he did so while carrying a $4,433,206 cap charge in 2024. The number bumps up to just $5,172,074 for the upcoming season. </p>
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Do note that Harrison Smith still showed up, if only in the “also receiving votes” section. Fun fact: the Vikings traded up with the Ravens back in 2012 to draft Mr. Smith, a move that worked out tremendously for Minnesota but not as well for Baltimore. Small comfort at this point in time, but it’s something.
Kyle Hamilton is 24.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference, PFF, and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
I’m the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. I am Canadian.
