NFL safeties are one of the most versatile positions in the game.
They can play all over the field – on the outside, in the deep secondary or even in the box as a pseudo-linebacker or pass rusher.
This makes it hard to truly value them on a positional and team level because of the different tendencies of some players versus others.
Pro Football Focus narrowed the scope of valuing safeties with its Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metric to determine the most valuable safety in the NFL and picked second-year Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.
Kyle Hamilton: The most valuable safety in the NFL, per PFF WAR pic.twitter.com/CedOoT6Dxq
— PFF (@PFF) December 14, 2023
Hamilton has been incredible for the Ravens a year after Baltimore drafted him No. 14 overall.
He’s caught two interceptions, brought one back for a touchdown, broke up nine passes, registered three sacks and tallied 69 combined tackles this season
Hamilton’s also allowed just 27 receptions on 49 targets for 126 yards only one touchdown, and his 4.7 yards allowed per completion ranks first among all defensive players in the NFL.
Hamilton suffered a scary-looking non-contact knee sprain in Week 14, but has since returned to practice and could be healthy enough to play in Week 15.
The Ravens need him if they want to continue on their path to the AFC’s No. 1 seed.
Baltimore’s 10-3 record is one game ahead of all other AFC teams, but any loss could set them back.
The defense has been sensational as well with Hamilton and ranks second in points and yards allowed through 13 games.
Safeties matter, and Hamilton has proven to be one of the best in only his second NFL season.
NEXT: Stats Show How 1 Key Free Agent Is Paying Off For Ravens