John Harbaugh tells tremendous story on Kyle Hamilton's pre-draft visit with Ravens

There were a lot of surprises during the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. One of those surprises was former Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton falling into the middle of the first round. Ultimately, Hamilton was selected with the 14th overall pick by the Baltimore Ravens.

Prior to the draft, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh didn’t think there was any way Hamilton would be available for the Ravens to pick at No. 14. But when Baltimore came on the clock on Thursday night, Hamilton was there and they made the easy decision to scoop him up.

“Ravens head coach John Harbaugh just told the story to @ReceDavis of S Kyle Hamilton visiting the team before the draft,” ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted. “Harbaugh asked Hamilton: “Why are you here?” figuring there would be no way he’d make it to 14. As it turned out, Hamilton did and Baltimore got a value.”

Hamilton’s rookie deal with the Ravens is a fully guaranteed four-year, $16.2 million contract that includes a $9 million signing bonus and a fifth-year option for the 2026 season.

The Ravens are understandably excited about drafting Hamilton

In three years at Notre Dame, Hamilton totaled 138 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, 16 passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. He is viewed as a dynamic and versatile safety that will make an instant impact on the Ravens defense.

By drafting Hamilton, the Ravens get a player that has very high-end potential. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared him to Kam Chancellor when analyzing his value ahead of draft weekend.

“High-impact safety with unique blend of traits and characteristics that make him a bit of a unicorn at the position,” Zierlein said. “Hamilton has the eyes and speed to play over the top, the strength and toughness to play near the line, and coverage length to guard elite pass-catching tight ends who often mismatch opposing defenses.

“It’s rare to find such a ferocious striker and intimidator who has the football intelligence and athletic prowess to go make plays in the passing game, but Hamilton provides it all. He thrives playing downhill or sinking into a robber alignment on the back-end but will have occasional missteps in coverage when in retreat from his pedal. Hamilton has the traits and football character to transition from standout college moments to a standout pro career as a future Pro Bowler with All-Pro potential.”