All-Pro's extension another massive win for AFC North front office

Last season, Hamilton started all 17 games for the top-10 Ravens' defense and recorded a career-high 107 tackles while adding an interception, two forced fumbles and nine passes defended.

Per NFL Pro data, he had the fourth-most stops, defined as tackles that result in negative expected points added for the offense, among all defensive backs. Of those stops, 60 percent came against the run.

The versatile defender has established himself as one of the league's top coverage safeties. Last season, he fared best as a slot corner, where he took 22.1 percent of his coverage snaps, allowing 11 receptions for 70 yards and an interception on 15 targets.

For his career, NFL Pro credits him with allowing 8.6 yards per reception as the nearest defender in coverage, resulting in four touchdowns and five interceptions. 

The two-time Pro Bowler finished ninth in Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, one year after being named first-team All-Pro.

Hamilton is the latest in a string of NFL Draft success stories for Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. A longtime member of the Ravens front office, DeCosta was promoted to general manager in 2019. Under his watch, six Ravens draft picks have been named to the Pro Bowl. 

Before his promotion, Baltimore hit big on offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, cornerback Marlon Humphrey and Lamar Jackson, who have combined for six first-team All-Pro nods and 10 Pro Bowl roster appearances.

The Ravens' string of outstanding returns from their own draft picks is a significant reason why they're one of the best teams in the NFL. While free agency and trades are effective ways to supplement talent, the most successful franchises build their teams through the draft.

Entering 2025, seven of Baltimore's 10 highest-paid players (in terms of total value) are former draft picks on extensions. The other three were added via trade (linebacker Roquan Smith), free agency (running back Derrick Henry) or are on a rookie deal (2025 first-round safety Malaki Starks). (h/t Spotrac)

Hamilton's extension is another major win for the Ravens, who've proven themselves better than most at not only identifying NFL-caliber talent through the draft but also developing those players and extending them before relationships fray. 

Other organizations should take note.