The top 100 NFL players ranking has become an annual tradition for fans, seeing where their favorite players around the league end up. This list is voted on by their peers, so it, in theory at least, gives a pretty thorough understanding about how each player is viewed by those that play against them every Sunday. It’s an honor just to be included in that ranking at all.
Despite that, controversy always seems to come from that list. It might be an honor to be included, but like every ranking, questions about where players are placed is going to be posed. This year’s version is no different.
On Friday, it was announced in the countdown that former Notre Dame legend Kyle Hamilton came in as the No. 51 overall player on the list. In his three years with the Baltimore Ravens, Hamilton has quickly become one of the rising stars in the National Football League. That includes two Pro Bowl selections, and one All-Pro honor as well.
NFL Top 100 Players of 2025:@Ravens S Kyle Hamilton checks in at No. 51! @NFLFilms pic.twitter.com/I8UrJ7FjyS
— NFL (@NFL) August 1, 2025
The 6-4, 220-pound defender being included in this prestigious collection of players wasn’t at all surprising. Hamilton being this low on the list, however, was a bit shocking. Despite Hamilton being a younger player, still only 24 years old, he is widely considered to be arguably the best safety in the league already. There’s a stronger argument for Hamilton to be inside the top 25 overall players in the league than outside of the top 50.
The Georgia native was originally the No. 14 overall selection by the Ravens in the 2022 NFL Draft. In 48 games in Baltimore, Hamilton has managed to collect 250 total tackles, five interceptions, 27 pass breakups, 18 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and four forced fumbles. He is an outstanding combination of size, ball skills, explosiveness, and versatility.
Before he was drafted, Hamilton also spent three years in South Bend. The former five-star recruit was outstanding, being selected as an All-American player for the Fighting Irish. Despite missing a large chunk of his final season due to injury, Hamilton still managed to total 138 tackles, eight interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and eight tackles for loss during his career.
It shouldn’t take much longer for Hamilton to finally get the recognition he deserves, but it clearly isn’t on this particular list. He is an outstanding player who is just beginning to understand just how good he can be. Hamilton’s future is very bright.
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