Player: Kyle Hamilton

School: Notre Dame

Height and Weight: 6’4”, 220

Combine Results:

• 40: 4.59
• Bench: DNP
• Broad Jump: 10’11”
• Vertical Jump: 38”
• 3 Cone: 6.9
• 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.32
• Other Notes: Hamilton’s test results were good in some tests and not as good in others. Hamilton jumped out of the gym, but I was not as impressed with his 4.59 40 yard dash. Hamilton definitely plays faster than he runs a 40, but considering he’s 6’4” that’s not too bad. Hamilton looked really good in the field drills and workouts though. He looks like he is a smooth player with fluid hips, and is definitely the long, ranging safety you see on tape. 

Strengths: Zone coverage, rolling and disguising coverage, versatility, man coverage(more so off ball than press), great tackling

Weaknesses: Coverage against receivers, covering great route running

Projected Draft Day: Day 1

Player Comparison: Isaiah Simmons

Player Summary: Kyle Hamilton may be one of the most underrated players coming out of college this draft season. Hamilton is referred to as a safety, but it does not do him justice by any means. Hamilton has been seen to line up everywhere on the field: nickel linebacker, slot, outside corner, both safety positions. Hamilton is a player you have to look hard for pre-snap, but once the play begins, just look for the ball and Hamilton will most likely be right there. Hamilton is a specimen who looks like he has a nice combination of size, speed, and explosiveness. Hamilton’s instincts, awareness, and knowledge of the play in zone coverage and the game in general is insane. If there are two guys in his zone, he can stand in the middle of them, and QB’s will still be afraid to throw his way in fear of Hamilton using his length to make an incredible play. Hamilton is also solid in off-ball man coverage. He likes to get hands on and can stay with receivers and tight ends alike. I didn’t see too much of Hamilton playing  press man, but it seems like he should be fully capable of doing so in moderation. The big thing I noticed with Hamilton is if a receiver can get behind him, he will panic and forget to look back to track the ball and it can get him beat from time to time. Hamilton is a great tackler who can make a difference in the run and screen games, but can tackle a bit high at times. When playing the deep third Hamilton has the speed to be a sideline to sideline player. Overall, there’s not a whole lot of negatives with this kid, and he seems ready to play as well as has potential to grow his already incredible skill set.

I made the comparison to Isaiah Simmons because Hamilton is a player who is used in the same way that Simmons was in college. A player that could line up and play nearly any position at a high level. Much like Simmons I think a pro team will want Hamilton to commit to a position, but could be moved around or used as a defensive gadget, like Cardinals safety Budda Baker. The only difference I see between Simmons and Hamilton is that Simmons was much more a box defender that was incredible against the run, while secondary I’d argue was an after thought. On the other hand, Hamilton is coverage first, then run, which is why I think Hamilton will be more of a safety in the league than a linebacker despite his size. Hamilton should still be able to make an impact in the box and against the run.