Baltimore Ravens Star Kyle Hamilton Says This Rookie Defender is “Miles Ahead of Where I Was” in Eye-Opening Training Camp Moment

When Baltimore Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton speaks, people listen. So when he openly praised a rookie defensive back in training camp by saying the player is “miles ahead of where I was,” it sent a jolt through the fanbase and caught the attention of the national media.

The comment wasn’t a casual throwaway—it was part of a deeper reflection by Hamilton on the growth of Baltimore’s next generation of defensive stars. The player in question? First-round pick and former Alabama standout cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who is already turning heads just a few practices into his first NFL training camp.

Kyle Hamilton’s Eye-Opening Endorsement

Speaking to reporters following a high-energy practice session at Ravens training camp, Hamilton didn’t hesitate when asked about Lassiter’s development and how it compares to his own rookie journey in 2022.

“I’m not going to lie, Kamari is miles ahead of where I was at this point,” Hamilton said. “He picks things up quick, he’s asking the right questions, and his instincts are unreal. He’s built for this.”

Hamilton, who emerged as one of the NFL’s top safeties in just his second season, isn’t one to throw around praise lightly. His early struggles during his rookie year—especially in pass coverage—were well documented. But he’s since blossomed into a leader in Baltimore’s secondary, making his endorsement of Lassiter all the more meaningful.

“It’s not just the athleticism—it’s how mature he is,” Hamilton continued. “It took me a while to slow the game down. He looks like he’s already there.”

Kamari Lassiter’s Fast Start

Kamari Lassiter arrived in Baltimore with a reputation for physicality, football IQ, and championship pedigree after three strong seasons at Georgia. But few expected the 21-year-old cornerback to make such a seamless transition from the SEC to the NFL.

During the first week of Ravens training camp, Lassiter has shown poise against top receivers, an aggressive mindset in press coverage, and the ability to diagnose plays before they develop. He’s recorded multiple pass breakups, earned first-team reps, and even picked off Lamar Jackson in a red-zone drill—something that drew immediate applause from the sideline.

Defensive backs coach Chris Hewitt praised Lassiter’s readiness: “Kamari’s work ethic is elite. He came in knowing the system, and he’s doing more than just holding his own—he’s making plays.”

The praise hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates. Marlon Humphrey, a Pro Bowl veteran and cornerstone of the Ravens’ secondary, called Lassiter “one of the most polished rookies I’ve seen walk into this building.”

Learning From the Best

For Lassiter, being surrounded by talent like Hamilton, Humphrey, and Marcus Williams has accelerated his learning curve. The rookie corner is soaking up knowledge and leaning on his veteran teammates for guidance.

“I’m just trying to be a sponge out here,” Lassiter told reporters. “I’m blessed to be learning from guys like Kyle and Marlon. They’ve been incredible in helping me understand the speed and complexity of the NFL.”

Hamilton, in particular, has taken Lassiter under his wing—mirroring the mentorship he once received from Chuck Clark and others in the Ravens’ locker room.

“I know what it’s like to be the new guy trying to figure things out,” Hamilton said. “So anytime I can help Kamari skip some of the mistakes I made, I’m gonna do that.”

Their bond has grown quickly, with many inside the building calling it one of the most promising defensive duos in years. Both players share similar traits: high football IQ, elite closing speed, and a fearless mentality on the field.

A System That Fits

One of the reasons for Lassiter’s early success is how well he fits into defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s scheme. The Ravens have always valued physical, versatile defensive backs who can play multiple roles, and Lassiter embodies that philosophy.

“He can play outside, he can line up in the slot, and he can even blitz if we need him to,” Orr said. “He’s exactly the kind of player we want in Baltimore.”

With the Ravens expected to use more nickel and dime packages in 2025, Lassiter is poised to play a major role right away—something few rookies get to do in such a loaded secondary.

Coaches have also been impressed with his ability to adjust quickly when motion and misdirection are used—an area that often trips up rookies.

“You can tell he played under Kirby Smart,” said one AFC scout who visited training camp. “He’s technically sound and not easily fooled.”

Expectations Building

As training camp continues, the buzz around Lassiter is growing. Fans are already speculating whether he’ll be a Week 1 starter. While the Ravens are taking a cautious, developmental approach publicly, internally there’s growing confidence that Lassiter could surpass expectations quickly.

Former Ravens safety Ed Reed, visiting camp as a guest coach, offered high praise after watching Lassiter in drills.

“He’s got the mindset and the tools,” Reed said. “It’s early, but he reminds me of some of the great ones.”

Of course, the Ravens know not to put too much pressure on a rookie too soon. But Hamilton’s glowing endorsement has created a sense of inevitability around Lassiter’s rise.

“If Kyle says that, then the kid must be something special,” said head coach John Harbaugh with a smile. “Kyle’s been through it. He knows how hard it is to adjust.”

What It Means for the Ravens Defense

The emergence of Lassiter could have a ripple effect across Baltimore’s entire defense. With Hamilton and Williams holding down the safety positions and Humphrey healthy and anchoring one outside corner spot, Lassiter’s development could allow the Ravens to deploy more creative coverages and packages.

For example, Hamilton could slide into the box more frequently, acting as a hybrid linebacker-safety—a role where he thrives—while Lassiter takes on more coverage responsibilities in the secondary.

“If we have another reliable cover guy like Kamari, it opens up so much flexibility,” Hamilton explained. “Zach [Orr] can really get exotic with how we disguise stuff.”

Given the challenges of defending high-octane offenses like the Chiefs, Bengals, and Chargers in the AFC, having a versatile, smart, and confident rookie corner could prove invaluable.

Training camp is a time for optimism, but it’s rare to hear a young All-Pro like Kyle Hamilton so confidently praise a rookie—and even rarer for that rookie to live up to the hype in real time.

Kamari Lassiter has a long road ahead, and the regular season will bring far greater challenges than what he’s faced in camp. But so far, he’s doing everything right—and earning the trust of one of the NFL’s most respected young safeties in the process.

If Lassiter continues to shine and Hamilton’s words prove prophetic, the Ravens may have struck gold again in the NFL Draft—building a defensive core that could lead Baltimore for years to come.

As Hamilton put it best: “The sky’s the limit for Kamari. And the best part? He’s just getting started.”