Today we are analyzing Kyle Hamilton, Notre Dame’s 6’4″ 220 lb. star safety who was named First-Team All-ACC in 2020 and profiles as a top 2022 NFL Draft prospect.
Strengths: Hamilton is an absolute physical specimen, standing 6’4” with elite length. He utilizes his length really well in multiple ways. It allows him to shed blocks with ease, dislodge passes from a receiver’s grasp, and make tackles that other safeties would not be able to reach. Not only is Hamilton very big and physical, he is also a rare athlete, especially for his size. His first step quickness and closing burst are top-notch, which combined with his read and react ability, decisive downhill trigger, and eagerness to defend the run, allow him to consistently come down to make an important tackle. Hamilton’s tackle technique is often correct as well, and there are many instances of him admirably making open field tackles. Crucially, Hamilton rarely comes in too hot and is usually properly balanced when he squares up for a tackle. Overall an elite run defender, Hamilton’s speed and hot motor give him true sideline to sideline range. His speed also makes him a dangerous blitzer when given a free lane and offers him a lot of potential in this department. Hamilton’s quickness and hip fluidity also give him a lot of value in coverage. He has the size and length to match up with tight ends and, in spite of his size, remarkably has the agility to cover running backs as well. Hamilton is far more than an athletic and physical freak, as he possesses a good understanding of the game, is very physical, and plays with a worker bee mentality that allows him to constantly be around the football and making plays.
Weaknesses: Hamilton is not much of a ballhawk, as he does not possess the natural elite ballhawk instincts and ball skills that some safeties do to collect handfuls of interceptions each year. He impacts the game in many ways, but generating interceptions at a high rate may never be one of his biggest strengths. Hamilton is very raw as a blitzer, as it is not at all a primary responsibility of his in the Notre Dame defense. If an NFL team wants to incorporate a pass rush element into his game, they will have to teach him the proper technique and moves to be able to accentuate his natural athletic gifts in this area. Hamilton does not take an overwhelming amount of man coverage reps, so he will have to keep developing his instincts against the pass. He can also be too grabby in coverage. Lastly, Hamilton seems to make mistakes here and there that aren’t nearly enough to be a weakness in his game, but should be eliminated or reduced if he is to cement himself as an elite, blue chip player in the 2022 NFL Draft. For example, there are some instances of Hamilton taking too short of an angle to the ballcarrier or making a grab at the player’s jersey rather than fully squaring him up. Hamilton still takes proper angles and tackles for the most part, but there is this miscellaneous category worth noting for now.
Bottom Line: All signs point to Hamilton becoming a high pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and one of the best safeties in the NFL. From a physical and athletic standpoint, Hamilton is absolutely elite and it fully translates onto the football field. His quick downhill trigger and closing burst make him a constant presence at the tackle point in the run game and his agility and fluidity give him a lot of value in coverage. There are still some hiccups on tape, but it is important to consider that he has a full season ahead of him to greatly reduce those and impose himself as a blue chip prospect. Hamilton’s lack of a true ballhawk profile seems to be the only thing limiting his upside, which is sky-high regardless.
If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to check out our interview with rising star and Nevada tight end Cole Turner, who figures to be a high NFL Draft pick in 2022. Go to Bold Take Scouting on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to see it!
