Can 'Dynamic' Kyle Hamilton Save The Ravens Secondary?

After Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marcus Peters' contract was not extended, what can be expected of a unit that's young and questionable heading into 2023?

The Baltimore Ravens were led in part by a sneaky secondary in 2022, holding Josh Allen to 213 yards passing and limiting Joe Burrow to less than 220 yards on two occasions.

When the offense struggled, the defense answered the call. But after cornerback Marcus Peters' contract was not extended, what can be expected of a unit that's young and questionable heading into 2023?

Well, it all comes down to how safety Kyle Hamilton progresses in year two and if the buy-in for Mike Macdonald's second-year defense continues. 

"First, Mike Macdonald’s defense isn’t new anymore. The players don’t have to learn the scheme, and they lose an excuse they could use last September," RussellStreetReport.com wrote. "Secondly, Hamilton isn’t a rookie. A big year two jump isn’t just realistic; it’s expected. He has the talent to be one of the most dynamic defensive backs in the league."

Macdonald has proven what he can do in Baltimore, finishing third in points allowed (18.5). But the real conversation starts with Hamilton. This secondary has to deal with Ja'Marry Chase, Tee Higgins, Amari Cooper and Diontae Johnson in the AFC North alone.

"I think it’s fair to expect Hamilton to have three to five interceptions in his second season. He impressed as a rookie and can take a jump forward in year two. I expect more snaps, more responsibility and more impact from number 14," RussellStreetReport.com concluded.

If guys like Hamilton can step up in a new-look Ravens defense that doesn't feature the likes of Peters, Baltimore's secondary will be solid again this fall.

---