Vikings coach still thinks about passing on Kyle Hamilton

Unless you've been super busy, you probably heard that the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings gathered this week for joint practices, creating an opportunity for players and coaches from both organizations to enjoy some competition and, in some cases, reconnect. For Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, one of those reunions involved a player he has admired for years, someone that Ravens fans know well.

Ravens editorial director Ryan Mink recently shared an intriguing discussion point on social media. O'Connell revealed that he spent time golfing with Kyle Hamilton earlier this offseason. The conversation eventually shifted toward the Ravens safety, and O'Connell's praise left little doubt about how highly he regards one of Baltimore's cornerstone defenders.

"I think the world of him as a person and player."

Compliments for Hamilton are hardly uncommon these days. Since arriving in Baltimore as the 14th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has developed into one of the league's premier defensive players. He has earned multiple All-Pro honors, two First Team selections and one Second Team selection, further establishing himself as one of the most versatile defenders in football.

What made O'Connell's comments particularly interesting was the context surrounding them. The Vikings entered the 2022 NFL Draft holding the No. 12 overall pick. Hamilton was widely viewed as one of the most talented players available. Still, Minnesota ultimately traded that pick, along with the 46th pick, to the Detroit Lions rather than selecting the Notre Dame Fighting Irish star.

The Lions gave Minnesota the 32nd, 34th, and 66th overall selections. Detroit selected wide receiver Jameson Williams. Two picks later, Baltimore happily ended Hamilton's brief slide.

O'Connell admitted that decision has crossed his mind more than once. As Mink states, the Vikings coach said he has often thought about how Hamilton could have been a member of his organization. If you remember, Minnesota selected safety Lewis Cine at 32, who is no longer with the organization.

O'Connell's reflection becomes easier to understand when looking at what Hamilton has become. The Ravens viewed him as a talented prospect. They now have a player many view as one of the faces of their defense and one of the NFL's elite safeties. One theme has surfaced repeatedly throughout training camp. Coaches, teammates, and opponents often praise Hamilton's football ability, but many of the strongest endorsements begin with the person before the player.

The Ravens keep hearing the same message. O'Connell followed that pattern. His first compliment wasn't about interceptions, versatility, or coverage skills. It was about character.

"The Ravens are very fortunate to have him."

That probably explains why his final observation carried so much weight. Four years after Hamilton unexpectedly fell into Baltimore's lap on draft night, he has become exactly the type of player franchises hope to find in the middle of the first round.

For the Vikings, O'Connell's comments served as a reminder that some draft-night decisions never completely disappear. That's especially true when the player you passed on develops into one of the NFL's best at his position.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Vikings coach still thinks about passing on Kyle Hamilton