In this NFL mock draft, the Ravens target a freakishly athletic safety to pair with Kyle Hamilton, strengthening their defense with a dynamic duo capable of dominating in coverage and against the run.

The NFL draft is a time of anticipation, as teams look to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. Every year, franchises search for the next star player, whether it’s a quarterback to lead the offense or a dominant defender to anchor the defense. For the Baltimore Ravens, known for their strong defensive tradition, the 2023 NFL Draft represents an opportunity to further solidify a defense that has been a key factor in their success. One of the most important positions for the Ravens moving forward is in the secondary, where they already have a rising star in safety Kyle Hamilton. But to take their defense to the next level, the Ravens are eyeing another freakishly athletic safety to pair with Hamilton, forming a dynamic duo capable of dominating both in coverage and against the run.

The Ravens’ Defensive Philosophy

The Baltimore Ravens have long been known for their aggressive, hard-hitting defense. Whether it was the fierce linebacker play of Ray Lewis, the coverage skills of Ed Reed, or the pass-rushing prowess of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens have built a defensive identity that is both feared and respected across the league. Under head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens continue to focus on building a defense that is tough, versatile, and capable of adjusting to modern NFL offenses.

The Ravens’ defensive scheme thrives on players who can contribute in multiple ways: defending the pass, stopping the run, and making game-changing plays. This is why having a strong secondary is so crucial. The modern NFL is a passing league, and the Ravens know that they need defenders who can keep up with elite receivers, disrupt timing, and prevent big plays down the field. Additionally, with the emergence of dual-threat quarterbacks, the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays against mobile quarterbacks is critical.

Having someone like Kyle Hamilton, the versatile safety from Notre Dame, is a major advantage. Hamilton, drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, quickly showed that he could be the centerpiece of their secondary. Standing 6’4″ and weighing 220 pounds, Hamilton possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that allows him to excel in both coverage and run defense. He can cover a vast amount of the field, make critical tackles, and create turnovers. However, the Ravens are well aware that pairing him with another dynamic, athletic player in the secondary will only enhance their defense.

The Need for a Partner for Kyle Hamilton

While Kyle Hamilton is undoubtedly a special talent, the Ravens have a significant need for another playmaker in the secondary. The Ravens’ defense in 2022 ranked 17th in pass defense and 8th in run defense, which shows they still have work to do in both areas. While Hamilton is a foundational piece, pairing him with another freakishly athletic safety would allow the Ravens to create more matchup problems for opposing offenses. The two safeties could create chaos by covering different areas of the field, allowing one to focus on run support while the other locks down deep routes or disrupts passing lanes.

Moreover, modern NFL offenses are increasingly using multiple tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers in a variety of formations. A versatile secondary allows a defense to counter these shifts, as athletic safeties can be moved around to take on different responsibilities. Having a second safety who can also cover the deep third, patrol the intermediate zones, and drop into the box against the run would create an impenetrable unit.

The 2023 NFL Draft: Targeting a Freakishly Athletic Safety

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Ravens find themselves in a favorable position to add another freakishly athletic safety to pair with Kyle Hamilton. In this mock draft, the Ravens select Brian Branch, a safety out of the University of Alabama, who is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft.

Branch, standing at 6’0” and weighing 193 pounds, brings the perfect combination of athleticism, size, and versatility. During his time at Alabama, Branch showcased his ability to do it all: cover deep routes, defend against the run, and even rush the passer when needed. He possesses excellent speed and agility, making him an ideal complement to Hamilton’s skill set. While Hamilton excels at reading the quarterback and making plays in the secondary, Branch brings a more physical presence, excelling at tackling in open space and being a constant disruptor in both coverage and run support.

Brian Branch’s Fit with the Ravens

Brian Branch would immediately upgrade the Ravens’ secondary and provide them with a safety duo that is both freakishly athletic and capable of shutting down multiple areas of the field. His skill set would mesh perfectly with Hamilton’s, allowing the two safeties to form a versatile tandem that can take on any challenge an offense presents.

1. Coverage Ability:

Branch is known for his ability to cover both the short and deep zones, making him a great fit for the Ravens’ defensive scheme. In college, he displayed excellent range, able to cover the deep third of the field while also being quick enough to jump routes in the intermediate zones. His awareness in coverage allows him to break up passes or make interceptions, which is exactly the type of playmaking ability the Ravens need. With Hamilton’s ability to read the quarterback and make plays in coverage, Branch would give the Ravens a lethal combination of ball skills and instincts.

2. Run Support:

The Ravens’ defense thrives on stopping the run, and Branch has the skills to excel in this area. He has a physical playing style that makes him an effective tackler, able to stop running backs and tight ends in their tracks. When facing quick, dynamic running backs or mobile quarterbacks, Branch’s quickness and strength allow him to be a key asset in the Ravens’ run defense. Pairing him with Hamilton, who excels at stopping the run as well, would give the Ravens one of the most formidable safety duos in the league against the run.

3. Versatility:

One of the key aspects of Branch’s game is his versatility. He can line up as a deep safety or play closer to the line of scrimmage in the box. Branch can also slide into the slot to cover tight ends or wide receivers, further adding to the Ravens’ flexibility on defense. With his ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, Branch would allow the Ravens to adjust their coverage based on the offensive personnel they face. Having two players who can move around the field freely, like Hamilton and Branch, would make the Ravens’ defense even harder to predict.

4. Playmaking and Leadership:

Branch is a natural playmaker, constantly around the ball and known for his ability to turn the tide of a game. His aggressive style and ball-hawking instincts would allow him to create turnovers, which is essential for the Ravens’ defense. Pairing him with Hamilton, who is already a leader in the secondary, would provide a leadership combination that can motivate and dictate the flow of games. With these two players working in tandem, the Ravens would have one of the most dynamic and fearsome defensive backfields in the NFL.

The Future of the Ravens’ Defense

By selecting Brian Branch in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Ravens would take a significant step forward in their defensive rebuild. While their defense has been solid in recent years, pairing Kyle Hamilton with another freakishly athletic safety would give the Ravens a completely new dimension. This pairing would allow them to cover more ground in the secondary, make more plays against the pass, and better support the run defense.

With Hamilton already in place as a dominant force in the back end of the defense, adding a player like Branch would not only improve the secondary but also elevate the entire defense as a whole. The combination of athleticism, intelligence, and physicality in their secondary would help the Ravens remain one of the top defensive units in the NFL for years to come.

The Ravens’ defense, already one of the best in the league, could soon become even more formidable, with the addition of another dynamic safety to partner with Kyle Hamilton. As offenses continue to evolve in the NFL, the need for versatile, athletic safeties becomes increasingly important, and the Ravens would be poised to dominate in this area. With the freakishly athletic Kyle Hamilton and Brian Branch on the same roster, the Ravens would boast one of the most dangerous safety tandems in recent memory, giving them a distinct edge in a league where defense is more important than ever.