PFF Reveals Their Highest Graded Safeties Since 2014

(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The safety position is a very important one in the NFL, as having a high-level player at strong or free safety can mean the difference between an excellent or mediocre pass defense.

Pro Football Focus released it’s list of its highest-graded safeties over the past nine seasons, and in 2022, it considered the Baltimore Ravens‘ Kyle Hamilton to be the best in the business.

Highest-graded safety by season since 2014 pic.twitter.com/BJzd3CZXHS

— PFF (@PFF) February 22, 2023

It is a particularly impressive honor for Hamilton considering he was just a rookie this past season.

He was the 14th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Ravens after three standout seasons at the University of Notre Dame, during which he won All-American and All-ACC honors.

He started just four games this season for Baltimore, and his season stats (five passes defended, four tackles for loss and one forced fumble) didn’t blow anyone away.

However, Pro Football Focus uses an advanced formula that goes beyond basic stats to calculate its ratings.

With Hamilton’s help, the Ravens had a strong defense that ranked fifth in passing touchdowns allowed, fifth in forced fumbles and third in points given up.

Of course, the big question is who will be their starting quarterback next season.

Lamar Jackson, who has made the Pro Bowl twice in his five pro seasons, will be a free agent, and it looks like the Ravens are reluctant to give him the type of huge new contract he has been demanding.

If he leaves, they will be essentially forced to begin what could be an extended rebuilding process.

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