Only once in NFL history has a defensive back been selected first overall. That was back in 1956 when Gary Glick, a safety out of Colorado State, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could Kyle Hamilton be the second?
There is a long way between now and the 2022 NFL draft, but the Notre Dame Safety made one heck of a case for his draft stock Sunday night against Florida State. Hamilton notched a pair of interceptions in the second half, showcasing elite range and play-making ability.
Here is Hamilton’s first interception of the night:
If you love the NFL Draft, get used to the name Kyle Hamilton. The Notre Dame safety is all of 6-4 and 220 pounds with uncommon movement skills and instincts for a guy his size. Here's his first INT of the season. pic.twitter.com/D3AoqXbwjJ
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 6, 2021
Not only does Hamilton flash the change-of-direction skills to match the corner route here from the Florida State receiver, but he demonstrates the closing speed you would like to see from a cornerback, not a safety with his size and frame.
His second interception, however, is the stuff of legends:
Kyle Hamilton oh my god pic.twitter.com/vJYTgmrTTc
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) September 6, 2021
Hamilton begins the play on the right hashmark, but is able to read the quarterback’s eyes and — somehow — get to the opposite sideline and undercut another route to prevent a huge play. Beyond the range and recognition, Hamilton has the athleticism to get a foot down and complete the play.
As you might expect, Hamilton’s interceptions caught many an eye on social media.
Kyle Hamilton. he's gonna make some money this spring lol
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) September 6, 2021
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton can cover some ground. Easy range.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) September 6, 2021
I am literally a 1,000 miles away from Tallahassee right now, but if I tossed a football out my window Kyle Hamilton would still probably intercept it. What a freak. #NotreDameFootball
— Shayne Kubas (@ShayneKubas) September 6, 2021
Again, there is a long time between now and the draft. But sitting here tonight, between Hamilton, LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Texas A&M defensive lineman DeMarvin Leal, this might be the draft to need a defensive player at the start of the first round.
Maybe, just maybe, a safety?
