Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton retains his ranking as the top safety in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton remains at the top of the list, as ESPN revealed its final positional rankings.
Hamilton's ability to not only be a big coverage defensive back but also his run-stopping prowess also led to his top ranking yet again. Whether the Ravens use him as a traditional safety or move him close to the line of scrimmage, he has found ways to make plays.
"Hamilton remains a bright spot on what was a disjointed Ravens defense in 2025. He dominated the first-place votes for the second consecutive year after helping Baltimore hold opposing quarterbacks to a 49 QBR when he's on the field versus a 90 QBR when he's off it," the ranking states.
Hamilton's ability to set the tone on defense while effectively playing multiple positions is why he is an All-Pro talent, and a major reason that the Baltimore defense is able to come up with creative ways to move him around.
During minicamp, Hamilton also spoke about not wanting to be a "jack of all trades and master of none," pointing to wanting to hone in even more on his skill set. He also understands the critiques the team faced due to their performance in 2025.
It will be interesting if that means that the dynamic safety wants to play more of a traditional safety role, as opposed to being used as a traditional cover corner or run stopper.
"'His size and physicality stand out,' an AFC offensive coach said. 'He's that big-bodied DB who can play nickel or safety that teams are looking for. He's a talented cover player, but his ability to play the run at the point of attack and his effectiveness as a blitzer make him somebody you really have to account for in game planning.'"
The Ravens defense added many more defenders who can handle being the blitzing type, as Calais Campbell, Trey Hendrickson, and Zion Young are now set to upgrade the pass rush in a big way. This could lead to Hamilton moving back into a more secondary type of position.
There are plenty of players on the Ravens who can help, especially after 2025 saw a good majority of talent go down. Word has yet to come down on whether Nnamdi Madubuike and Teddye Buchanan will be ready by Week 1, but their return can also lead to Hamilton potentially returning to the secondary.
Jesse Minter might also find new and exciting ways to utilize Hamilton's ability to be a chameleon on defense. Either way, it makes sense why he remains the top safety among scouts, coaches, and executives.
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