Ravens DC Zach Orr gives ultimate praise on rare feat he believes Kyle Hamilton is going to accomplish

When the Baltimore Ravens drafted S Kyle Hamilton out of Notre Dame a couple of years ago, they drafted a cornerstone for their franchise.

While Hamilton hit the ground running as a rookie in 2022 and took a big leap in 2023 to become an All-Pro, there is more to be had for him. Hamilton is just two seasons into his career and nah already be the best safety in the NFL. His defensive coordinator Zach Orr believes there may be a big personal accolade in the future for Hamilton.

"Kyle Hamilton is the ultimate chess piece; I think he's one of the top players in the league. My goal for him is to one day win [the] defensive MVP – here – of the league. I think he has that type of talent, he has that type of work ethic, he's that type of person,” Orr explained during

Hamilton missed two games in 2023 but still managed to record 81 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions, and a touchdown as a do-it-all guy for the Ravens' defense.

“The thing about him being the ultimate chess piece [is], depending on what the offense does, he can play anywhere. He can play safety, deep safety, box safety; he can play corner, he can play nickel, he can play backer, he can even play outside linebacker, too, and you guys know he can rush the passer,” explained Orr. “The thing that you appreciate about Kyle Hamilton is, is he works at it, he's a smart player, so he can handle all the different volume that you get him. I think he's eager, going into his third year, to do more, so we'll see."

The Ravens lost Geno Stone, who played opposite Hamilton, as he signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency. Hamilton was already the top safety on the team, but he is going to be leaned on even more heavily.

Troy Polamalu was the last safety to win Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. The AFC North has been spoiled with elite safeties over the past couple of decades. Polamalu and Ed Reed may eventually be welcoming in Hamilton to that same threshold, he is that good.

Hamilton doesn’t have to win the Defensive Player of the Year award for the Ravens to capture their goal of hoisting a Super Bowl trophy but it just may help.