Kyle Hamilton discusses stress of dropping in NFL Draft

There’s plenty of thoughts running through a prospect’s head while they’re waiting for their name to be called during the NFL Draft. From what pick they will be to which team will be the one to take a chance on them, it can be a stressful time – but that’s just a part of the process.

Kyle Hamilton experienced that last Thursday night as the 2022 NFL Draft kicked off in Las Vegas. While Hamilton was projected to be a top-10 pick, the former Notre Dame safety ultimately fell into the No. 14 spot to the Baltimore Ravens.

Although Hamilton fell a few spots down the board, he was still drafted in the top half of the first round – and that’s what matters most. As he met with the media for the first time after being taken by the Ravens, Hamilton discussed the stress of dropping and excitement of landing in Baltimore.

“I would say it was definitely stressful,” Hamilton said. “Not just because of that reason solely – the whole process in itself is stressful. … Everybody knows that. You’re being talked about, you’re being dived deep into throughout your whole background, your whole whatever mistakes you’ve made – and everyone’s going to try to shine a light on them.

“It’s a stressful process, especially in that one moment where I do get past a certain point in the draft. But like I was saying earlier, it’s a silver lining that I’m here now. It’s the best thing that could’ve possibly happened.”

Hamilton heads to the NFL level after putting together a successful career at Notre Dame, which was highlighted by 138 total tackles and eight interceptions over three seasons with the Fighting Irish. Hamilton tallied 34 tackles and three interceptions as a junior in 2021.