Ravens safety named 'sneaky' Defensive Player of the Year candidate

The race for the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is heating up with just five weeks left in the regular season, and one analyst believes a Baltimore Ravens player could quietly win the award.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler named second-year safety Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore's 2022 first-round pick, a "sneaky candidate" for this year's DPOY.

"Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton has been all over the field with two interceptions, three sacks and eight tackles for loss," Fowler wrote. "Hamilton barely leaves the field in any situation. His constant presence allows [DC Mike] Macdonald to show offenses different looks based on where Hamilton lines up."

Hamilton is versatile, playing several different spots any given Sunday, and helping his team make a run to the Super Bowl would enhance his case.

The Notre Dame product is certainly having a breakout year, but he will likely have to do a lot more over the last month of the season to surpass the betting-odds favorites in Cowboys LB Micah Parsons, Browns DE Myles Garrett and Steelers LB T.J. Watt.

There's no better time for Hamilton to take his play to another level than this weekend when the Ravens (9-3) host the Los Angeles Rams (6-6). QB Matthew Stafford has been red hot during L.A.'s three-game win streak, passing for 698 yards, eight touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Hamilton won't be lining up face-to-face with former All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp or rookie standout WR Puka Nacua, but he will need to prevent any big plays over the top.

Only time will tell if he can do enough to be recognized next to names like Parsons, Garrett and Watt, but one thing is for sure: Baltimore surely hit on its first-rounder a year ago.