Three Ravens Ranked NFL's Best in Key Skills

The Ravens greatly appreciate his extra impact from point-blank range as they consolidate their pass-rush unit, and a previous trade for another capable safety in Alohi Gilman enabled Hamilton the freedom to play where he pleases.

"Hamilton has 239 snaps at outside linebacker, 206 at free safety, 163 in the slot and 27 at corner," Bowen reported. "He's a true matchup option who can make an impact at every spot."

Nate Wiggins' Mirroring Act

Hamilton wasn't the only Baltimore defender honored with one of ESPN's shoutouts, a testament to the unit that helped quietly guide the Ravens through the five-game win streak that revived their season.

Nate Wiggins has been a star in his own role, converting on his first-round upside as the heir apparent to the Ravens' top cornerback spot. Marlon Humphrey's been pretty banged up along the way, but Wiggins has covered up for him in bringing down a team-high three interceptions over appearances in all 12 games.

He was recognized as the fastest in-phase runner of any cornerback by Bowen, who gushed over Wiggins' knack for staying glued to elusive assignments. "Wiggins has the speed to open and match receivers vertically downfield, plus he can recover to get back in phase."

His ability to remain in the way has shown up during some of those clutch defensive stands that the Ravens pulled off on a regular basis over their successful November. He's not even necessarily looking to come down with every errant pass; as long as he's deterring a reception, he feels as if he's done his job.

Zay Flowers' Maneuverability

Finally, Bowen threw a nod to one of the Ravens' offensive pieces. And he didn't just go with a popular pick, either, instead turning to a player who's received a healthy share of flack in recent days.

Zay Flowers has unquestionably suffered from a down season. He followed up his first Pro Bowl selection with a strong Week 1 performance that included 143 yards and a touchdown, but he's yet to celebrate in the end zone or notch at least 80 yards in a game in the dozen weeks since.

Flowers' most recent performance was his ugliest yet, as his offensive pass interference call and fumble wiped away a few big plays that left him with just six total yards to show for his Thanksgiving evening.

He's been as mistake=prone as ever during these marquee matchups, but his quick-twitch athleticism hasn't gone anywhere. In fact, he was rewarded for his unparalleled ability to move with the ball in his hands. Bowen named him as the most sudden pass-catcher with the best change-of-direction, citing his "lateral quickness to get loose after the catch. Plus, he is a rapid accelerator with the ball in his hands."

Now, whether he's properly utilized his physical gifts over the course of the season has been up for debate, as he's frequently attempted to out-juke defenders at the cost of easy yards, and much to the chagrin of Baltimore fans. But just like Hamilton and Wiggins, he's talented enough to feature on a contending team, and still leads the NFL in his unique approach to football.