None of this matters now. It’s also impossible to confirm, but once upon a time, during the 2022 NFL Draft or shortly thereafter, rumor had it that Kyle Hamilton could have landed elsewhere. There were questions about whether or not the Baltimore Ravens would have taken Jordan Davis had he been available. Again, we’ll never know, but it makes for an interesting conversation piece.

Ultimately, things worked out as they were supposed to. The Philadelphia Eagles traded ahead of Baltimore in Round 1, presumably to halt any potential Ravens plans to acquire Davis. Baltimore went with another option, safety Kyle Hamilton. Both teams struck gold in the process.

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Hamilton has been a treasure and still has room to improve. Recently, one of the more entertaining platforms for NFL content praised the young man deservedly.

Kyle Hamilton lands third on a PFF list ranking young NFL superstars.

We’re entering year four of the Kyle Hamilton experience, and things are going well. He earned his place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022 and was a Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist.

He has already earned his place on two Pro Bowl rosters (2023, 2024). He was recognized as a First-Team All-Pro in 2023 and received a Second-Team nod one year later.

This young man’s sky is the limit as he’ll be paired with rookie Malaki Starks in 2025. The brilliance is already apparent. That’s why Pro Football Focus ranked him third on their list of the NFL’s top 25 players under 25 behind offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Puka Nacua. QB Jayden Daniels and cornerback Trent McDuffie round out the top five. Hamilton climbed two spots from a fifth-placed finish last season.

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Here’s what Jonathon Macri listed as his reasoning for making the decision:

“Hamilton has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top safeties, finishing in the top three at his position in at least one of PFF overall grade, PFF coverage grade, and PFF run-defense grade in each of his first three NFL seasons.

Versatility makes him one of the most valuable safeties in the league, and he even brings pass-rush upside, having generated 36 pressures and seven sacks in his NFL career.”

In 48 career regular-season games with 36 starts, he has tallied 250 tackles, seven sacks, five interceptions (including a pick-six), 27 pass breakups, and four forced fumbles. Add that to the 35 tackles and forced fumble he has added to the Ravens’ cause during five postseason games, and you have one heck of a resume. It will be interesting to see what kind of fireworks he offers this season.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Kyle Hamilton lands high on PFF list of top 25 players under 25