NFL Mock Draft: The Ravens Select Kyle Hamilton, a Crazy Athletic Partner
The Baltimore Ravens have long prided themselves on building one of the NFL’s most fearsome defenses through the NFL Draft. From Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to Terrell Suggs and Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore’s front office has a reputation for identifying generational talent at key defensive positions. In 2022, that tradition continued with the selection of Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton, a rare physical specimen with elite instincts. Fast forward to the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Ravens are poised to double down — this time selecting an ultra-athletic safety to complement Hamilton and create a potentially terrifying tandem on the back end.
According to the latest mock drafts, Baltimore is targeting Miami safety Kamren Kinchens, a 6-foot, 205-pound ballhawk who brings elite closing speed, playmaking range, and the kind of energy that fits right into Mike Macdonald’s system. Though the Ravens’ biggest needs entering the 2025 NFL Draft include offensive line depth and a potential wide receiver upgrade, the board may fall in such a way that Kinchens — or a similar hybrid safety/slot defender — becomes the best player available at their draft position.
And with Baltimore, best player available usually wins.
Building on Hamilton’s Strengths
To understand why this potential pick makes so much sense, one must first grasp how the Ravens currently deploy Kyle Hamilton. Since his arrival in Baltimore, Hamilton has transcended the label of “safety.” He’s been a slot corner, box defender, deep-half safety, and even a dime linebacker in certain packages. His frame (6-foot-4, 220 pounds), speed, and football IQ allow him to wear many hats — and that versatility is the lifeblood of Baltimore’s defensive identity.
But Hamilton’s Swiss army knife status also demands that the Ravens have flexibility on the back end. They need another safety who can handle single-high responsibilities or rotate down into the slot when Hamilton crashes into the box. Geno Stone performed admirably in a fill-in role during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but he’s not the long-term solution. Likewise, Marcus Williams has battled injuries and may not factor into the team’s future plans beyond 2025.
Enter Kinchens — or perhaps a player like Calen Bullock from USC or Javon Bullard of Georgia — as the Ravens look to reset and reload their safety duo.
Kamren Kinchens: The Perfect Fit?
The Miami Hurricanes haven’t exactly been DBU over the past decade, but Kinchens might be their best draft prospect since Sean Taylor. He has a nose for the football, racking up 11 interceptions and 17 pass breakups over his final two college seasons. Kinchens doesn’t shy away from contact, either. He’s a willing tackler in run support and a relentless blitzer off the edge when called upon.
What makes Kinchens such a compelling partner for Hamilton, though, is his range. He can play sideline-to-sideline and handle deep-middle responsibilities, which would allow Hamilton to roam more freely. Kinchens also offers enough twitch and man coverage skills to handle tight ends or slot receivers — further expanding the ways Baltimore could disguise coverages.
Analysts have drawn comparisons between Kinchens and former Pro Bowl safety Kevin Byard — and if that ceiling is within reach, the Ravens should pounce.
A Philosophical Commitment to Defense
General manager Eric DeCosta has made it clear over the years: if elite defensive talent is on the board, Baltimore will take it. Many expected the Ravens to draft a wide receiver in 2022, but Hamilton’s talent was too good to pass up. A similar scenario could play out this year, especially if the top offensive tackles and receivers are off the board.
A Hamilton-Kinchens pairing would give the Ravens unprecedented flexibility. Need to shut down Travis Kelce? Assign Hamilton as a shadow, knowing Kinchens can handle the deep responsibilities. Want to run a Cover 2 robber look on 3rd-and-long? Rotate Kinchens into the robber spot and let Hamilton disguise pre-snap movement. The creative options become limitless.
And it’s not just about coverage. Both safeties are effective blitzers and downhill run defenders. They would give Baltimore’s front seven an additional layer of support against the increasingly versatile rushing attacks in today’s NFL.
Other Candidates on the Board
While Kinchens might be the dream scenario, the Ravens have also been linked to several other defensive backs in the first round:
- Calen Bullock, USC: A leaner safety with elite speed and range. Slightly less physical than Kinchens but excellent in coverage. Ideal for a split-field safety role.
- Javon Bullard, Georgia: A feisty, instinctual defender who played all over Georgia’s secondary. Best fit might be in the slot or as a nickel/dime safety, which pairs well with Hamilton’s versatility.
- Tyler Nubin, Minnesota: The most physical of the bunch, Nubin plays downhill and hits like a linebacker. Less range than Bullock or Kinchens but offers tone-setting ability.
Should the Ravens opt to wait until Day 2 for a safety, options like Washington’s Asa Turner, Oregon’s Bryan Addison, or TCU’s Bud Clark could still provide developmental upside.
Offense vs. Defense: The Ongoing Debate
Ravens fans — particularly those still hungry for offensive playmakers — may wonder if selecting another safety in the first round is the right call. And that’s a valid concern. After all, Lamar Jackson can’t do it alone. Zay Flowers is dynamic, and Mark Andrews remains elite when healthy, but the offensive line has question marks, and the backfield lacks a true star.
However, the Ravens are in a unique position. With one of the deepest rosters in the league, they can afford to go “luxury” with their first-round pick — especially if it’s a luxury that solidifies an already elite defense. Remember, defense still wins championships, especially in the rugged AFC North.
Besides, the Ravens have a history of finding offensive gems in the middle rounds: J.K. Dobbins, Mark Andrews, and even Lamar Jackson (technically the 32nd pick) were all drafted outside the top 25.
What This Means for the AFC
If Baltimore lands a freak athlete like Kinchens to pair with Hamilton, it sends a clear message to the rest of the conference: we’re not letting up. In a conference loaded with elite QBs — from Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen to Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud — defensive adaptability is crucial. One missed rotation or busted coverage can be the difference between 13-4 and 9-8.
By doubling down on the secondary, the Ravens aren’t just preparing for the Bengals, Chiefs, or Bills — they’re evolving into a chess match defense that can adjust on the fly, disguise intentions, and take the ball away. That’s been the recipe for the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles in recent years, and Baltimore is taking notes.
A Word on Draft Philosophy
Every team claims they’ll “take the best player available,” but few live up to that promise the way Baltimore does. If Kamren Kinchens (or Bullock or Bullard) is there and graded significantly higher than the next offensive prospect, DeCosta won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. And neither should he.
There’s also long-term cap strategy at play. Elite safeties don’t come cheap on the open market. Drafting and developing your own, while on a rookie contract, allows Baltimore to keep investing in premium positions like cornerback, edge rusher, and left tackle.
With Hamilton still playing on his rookie deal, now is the time to add a high-ceiling running mate and let them grow together — much like the Bills did with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer or the Seahawks with Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
The idea of pairing Kyle Hamilton with another freakish safety prospect may not be the most glamorous pick on the surface. It won’t excite fantasy football managers or dominate highlight reels. But it could be the move that takes Baltimore’s defense from great to legendary.
And when playoff football rolls around — in 30-degree AFC battles where every possession counts — it’s those decisions that make all the difference.
Baltimore might have other pressing needs, but if a player like Kamren Kinchens falls into their lap, don’t be surprised if the pick comes in quickly. Eric DeCosta knows what he’s doing. And so far, trusting that approach has worked out just fine.
Grade for the Pick (Projected): A-
Mock Draft Selection:
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- Pick: Round 1, Pick 27
- Player: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami
- Why: Elite range, high football IQ, complements Kyle Hamilton perfectly, fits the defensive scheme.
