Kyle Hamilon Is 'Super Excited' to Work With New Coaches: 'They Have a Plan for Me'
One of the trademarks of Jesse Minter's defenses with the Los Angeles Chargers was that he maximized All-Pro safety Derwin James' versatility.
As the new head coach of the Ravens, Minter inherits arguably the most talented and versatile safety in the NFL in Kyle Hamilton. Understandably, the three-time All-Pro is "super excited" about working with Minter and his staff.
"I think he's hired a great staff so far for us," Hamilton said on NFL Network’s “The Insiders” at Super Bowl Radio Row. "I've had sparingly conversations with him and some people around the building, and they have a plan for me, which is really cool."
Minter is equally as excited to work with Hamilton.
"He is a positionless defensive player that I would classify as a weapon on defense," Minter said at his introductory press conference. "As much as you can do to get a guy like Kyle near the point of attack, I think, is what you try to do as a designer [or] playcaller. I could not be more thrilled to be able to work with Kyle."
Hamilton also said he is looking forward to the team getting a fresh start after a disappointing season.
"I think everybody on the team's excited for the future," Hamilton said. "Obviously appreciative of the past, but I think we're ready to move forward and hopefully next year will turn out a little different for us. … Obviously, last season didn't go the way that we wanted it to, and to kind of do the same thing over again, it's just like banging your head against the wall just expecting a different result."
Regarding the Ravens' decision to part ways with Head Coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, Hamilton said: "Obviously, it was a tough decision for our front office to make, letting Harbs go. Very emotional decision for sure because it's kind of like family at that point.
"But I think it is somewhat needed – but for both sides. I think he's going to do a great job in New York and I think we're going to be great as well. I think everyone kind of won."
There's Reportedly a 'Strong Possibility' Greg Roman Will Join Harbaugh's Giants Staff
Speaking of Harbaugh, there is a "strong possibility" that he'll be adding former Ravens Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman to his staff with the Giants, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Fowler said Roman's role is to be determined. The Giants reportedly are hiring Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator.
Roman was on Harbaugh's staff with the Ravens from 2017-2022, serving as offensive coordinator for four seasons. Roman spent the past two seasons as the Chargers' offensive coordinator.
Minter Ranked Among Top 15 People Most Likely to Shape the Offseason
NFL.com writer Eric Edholm ranked 26 people who might most impact the offseason. Minter came in at No. 13.
"The Ravens have high expectations, with Lamar Jackson in his prime and a roster that's in good shape overall, so the pressure will be on Minter to win at the onset," Edholm wrote. "Shaping the right offense for Jackson and coaxing more out of Baltimore's defense will be high on the new coach's priority lists, and Minter will face a challenging schedule in a still-tough division, even with all the changes in the AFC North."
Harbaugh was No. 5 in the rankings.
"Harbaugh could be exactly what this team needs after several lost campaigns," Edholm wrote. The Giants have a foundation around which to build, but it will be fascinating to see how Harbaugh, who will have plenty of say over personnel, puts his stamp on the roster. The Giants must add toughness throughout the operation, along with the belief that they can contend, and that's what Harbaugh was brought in to deliver."
Ravens Get 'A' Grades for Coaching Hires
Minter and the star-studded staff he has assembled so far continues to get rave reviews.
Baltimore Beatdown’s writers graded the hires. Here are some excerpts:
Frank Platko: "The Ravens have done a great job filling out their coaching roles thus far and deserve an 'A' grade. After hiring Jesse Minter to fill the top vacancy of head coach, they've added an impressive mix of youth, innovation, and experience to the rest of the staff. Declan Doyle and Anthony Weaver were two of the most sought-after coordinator candidates still available. Doyle is an up-and-coming offensive mind, while Weaver is an elite defensive line savant with great leadership abilities. The rest of the hires in different areas have been promising as well, such as offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford —who is regarded as one of the best in the NFL. For a first time head coach, Minter has assembled a strong group around himself."
Zach Canter: "It's hard to give Jesse Minter (and Eric DeCosta,who's surely also had a hand in this) anything short of an 'A.' The reactions around the league, which have been heaping praise upon praise for the first-time head coach, tell it all. The first hires of Mike Mickens for the defensive backs and Dwayne Ledford for the offensive line were enough to put the league on notice. But grabbing a budding star in Declan Doyle to man the offense was a bold move, [hiring] a man as young as the franchise quarterback to be the coordinator. The cherry on top was grabbing Joe Lombardi to give Doyle an older head to lean. Anthony Weaver for defensive coordinator was another stroke of genius … someone who knows the organization and that Minter can lean on to get his defense installed while Minter focuses on the whole team."
Derrick Henry Doesn't See Himself As a Hall of Famer
Running back Derrick Henry's ability is surpassed only by his humility.
Even though Henry is 10th in career rushing yards and fourth in career rushing touchdowns, he doesn't view himself as a Hall of Famer, at least not yet.
"I really don't. I'm being honest," Henry told Kay Adams on the "Up & Adams Show" on Super Bowl Radio Row. "I still got so much to do. I want to do it all."
Henry's modesty is commendable, but he's a lock for a gold jacket and bust in Canton when his playing days are over. Running back Roger Craig was elected yesterday and he finished with 8,189 rushing yards compared to Henry's 13,018 and counting.
Henry won't be eligible anytime soon considering he showed this past season that he has plenty left in the tank. Henry, who turned 32 last month, rushed for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns.
