Kyle Hamilton has become one of the more polarizing prospects in this year’s draft class. Seen as a prime candidate to fall down the board, the former Notre Dame safety has been the source of speculation regarding his ultimate landing spot in the first round. Today, he is meeting with the Commanders, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 
[RELATED: Hamilton In Danger Of Falling In Draft?]
While some have had – and in some cases, still have – Hamilton ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the class, there has been a growing sense he will be waiting longer to hear his name called than the top defensive ends, tackles and, potentially, quarterbacks. That could land him in range of the Commanders, who hold the 11th pick.
Washington currently has Bobby McCain, Troy Apke, Kamren Curl and Jeremy Reaves at the top of the depth chart at the safety position. Between the financial statuses of those four – none are under contract beyond the 2023 season – and the team’s disappointing defensive performance last year, ranking 29th against the pass, Hamilton would be worth consideration for that pick.
Hamilton had a highly productive three-year career with the Fighting Irish. He totalled 138 tackles and eight interceptions, demonstrating positional flexibility and leadership qualities along the way. His testing numbers, season-ending knee injury and overall athletic profile, however, have led to a belief he could drop to at least the second half of the first round. He has visited the Lions, though there is currently no expectation he would be considered with the No. 2 pick.
Regardless of where Hamilton ends up, there will at least have been a number of teams which have done their homework on him. Given their location on the board, Washington will have a number of intriguing decisions to make, including whether he will be worth a top-15 selection, should he make it that far.
I see a lot of mock drafts have Washington taking London at 11, but the optionscin the secondary that should be available there are the better pick. Whether it be Hamiltin, Stingley or McDuffie, they really ought to forget about WR at 11. Go defense and make an effort to trade back into the bottom of the first/top of 2nd and grab a WR there. Should still he several good options in that range. I get they need another capable WR or three but there’s smarter ways to go about doing it in this draft.
Overrated. This guy is not the type of rangy turnover causing safety that you pick in the top 10. Yes he’s big and a good leader but he is not Sean Taylor. He will prove to be a liability in coverage and end up as another over hyped in the box safety. I think he falls into the Kate teens or early twenties.
This comment simply isn’t reflective of the kind of player Hamilton is.
This has aged, poorly.
Yeah let’s draft defense in the first round again after about the last 5-6 years… Earth to Commanders, your receiving core stinks. Try not to waste a first rounder again like last year
Washington has a great track record drafting defensive players the past bunch of years. Allen, Payne, Sweat and Young are the backbone of the team. Jury’s still out on Davis last year but it’s too early to rule him a bust. The secondary needs help NOW. Rivera can coach up a defense. Last WR this team drafted was Dotson and he was a bust. WR depth is excellent and you can get good talent in the 2nd round. See Terry McLaurin.
Young appears to be a bust. It just took two years to find that out instead of the usual one.