The 2022 NFL Combine is wrapping up and the NFL Draft will be here before you know it. Between now and then, we’ll be inundated with NFL experts predicting selections and arguing over why teams should take one player over the other.
It appears, however, that ESPN’s Mina Kimes has her mind made up about who the best overall player in the draft is and it’s probably not who you think.
While Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, NC State offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu, and Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux tend to get the nods as the most valuable players available, Kimes thinks there’s no question that Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton.
There’s a consensus that Notre Dame’s Kyle Hamilton is the best safety in the draft. But I also think he’s the best player, period. pic.twitter.com/KbLBRormnf
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 6, 2022
“I was nervous about saying what I believe, which is that Kyle Hamilton is the best player in the draft,” said Kimes on NFL Live on Sunday morning. “More importantly, the best player for this moment in football, where, in response to the explosion in passing over the last decade, defenses are now asking so much out of safeties. More disguise, more versatility. And versatility is what this guy has in spades.
“He can play deep middle, he can split safety, he can play in the box, he can play in the slot, he can blitz. And he has the size, the range, and the ball skills to do all of those things at an elite level.
“I don’t know how high he’s gonna get drafted, he’s a safety, but if I were a rebuilding defense I would want to rebuild the whole thing around this guy.”
A lot of people might point to the New York Jets as a team that fits the bill here and they also have the fourth pick in the draft. When co-host Damien Woody later said that it sounded like Kimes was referring to them, she certainly didn’t shy away from that.
👀👀👀👀👀
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 6, 2022
There have been plenty of mock drafts that have put Hamilton in that No. 4 pick spot with the Jets, but of course, you never quite know until we’re at draft day. In the meantime, expectations will be sky-high for the Notre Dame talent. Whether or not others agree with Kimes that he’s the top player in the draft, well, that’s what the month leading up to the NFL Draft is all about.
Very good argument for Hamilton. Elite athlete, fantastic person, game-changing production. https://t.co/URcBzVIHN5
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 6, 2022
Mina preaching the good word here. Hamilton is the best player in this draft, regardless of position, and should absolutely be in the conversation at No. 1 overall. https://t.co/SVFGU2GIER
— Luke Easterling (@LukeEasterling) March 6, 2022
As an ND fan, I watched countless games where the ball is in the air and Hamilton comes clear out of nowhere to make a ridiculous play. He’s elite. https://t.co/JrX64jxkAZ
— Bryan Kennedy (@BKennedyTV) March 6, 2022
Disagree, but Hamilton’s a great player. You rebuild defenses inside, out. Front to back. Maybe an exception can be made if he’s Sean T., RIP 🪦 https://t.co/gN2JPd9s5q
— Keith Miller (@Showcase_Keith) March 6, 2022
