Kyle Hamilton already has an ally with Ravens in former Notre Dame OL Ronnie Stanley
Kyle Hamilton found a friendly new teammate with a shared football lineage waiting for him the moment he arrived at the Baltimore Ravens facility April 29. Hamilton, the former Notre Dame safety and a Ravens’ first-round draft choice this year, met up with ex-Irish offensive lineman Ronnie Stanley before he even walked in the doors.
Stanley, the Ravens primary left tackle since 2016, never overlapped with Hamilton at Notre Dame. They spent this offseason working out at the same Southern California training center, though, Hamilton doing pre-draft prep and Stanley rehabbing the ankle injury that cost him all but one game of last season. That’s where they formed a bond rooted in shared history.
“Got to meet him for the first time, really get to know him,” Hamilton said at his introduction.
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The excitement of welcoming another former Irish player – especially one he knew personally – led Stanley to show up outside the team headquarters in Baltimore County, Md. and greet Hamilton with a handshake and a hug.
The veteran-rookie relationship is already strong between them. Stanley was a willing sounding board for Hamilton as he navigated the pre-draft process and prepared for the start of his NFL career.
“He was just letting me know it’s work, it’s hard work,” Hamilton said. “I knew that, but he was just emphasizing that it’s going to take work. Nothing’s going to be handed to you. And I appreciate the honesty.”
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The Ravens drafted Hamilton 14th overall this year, making him the first safety chosen. They traded back into the first round and took Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum with the No. 25 pick. Hamilton was their highest first-round selection since taking Stanley sixth overall in 2016. Many draft analysts called him one of the biggest steals of the first round. He was a top-10 player on most prospect rankings heading into the draft.
More Notre Dame football:
• Notre Dame post-spring position outlook: running back
• Notre Dame post-spring position outlook: Quarterback
Hamilton is right, though, about being guaranteed nothing. The Ravens have a deep safety room without a clear opening. They signed Marcus Williams to a five-year, $70 million contract in March. Five-year veteran Chuck Clark has started at the other safety spot since 2019. Eight-year pro Tony Jefferson and 2021 third-round pick Brandon Stephens are also in the safety mix. Being a top-15 pick only goes so far in earning playing time. He will worry about that after trying to make strong first impressions.
“I’m excited to come in and just gain respect at this level,” Hamilton said. “That’s a really important thing, just getting older guys’ respect, coaches’ respect, even guys within your classes respect. I’m excited to do that.”
He already has an All-Pro lineman in his corner.
