Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell just laid it all out, admitting that a specific draft decision from 2022 still haunts him. He spent time golfing with Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton this offseason and later told Ravens editorial director Ryan Mink that he often thinks about how Hamilton could have been wearing the Vikings’ colors instead of Baltimore’s. It’s a candid confession that has to sting for Minnesota fans.
The One That Got Away
This isn’t just some casual “what if” from O’Connell. The Vikings and Ravens held joint practices this week, giving coaches and players a chance to compete and reconnect. For O’Connell, that meant seeing Hamilton again, a player he’s admired for years. His praise for the Ravens’ cornerstone defender left no doubt: “I think the world of him as a person and player.” And who can blame him? Hamilton has developed into one of the league’s premier defensive players since being drafted, racking up multiple All-Pro honors with two First Team selections and one Second Team selection. The guy is seriously one of the most versatile defenders in football.
The Trade That Changed Everything (for Baltimore)
What makes O’Connell’s comments so telling is the context of that 2022 draft. The Vikings held the No. 12 overall pick. Hamilton was right there, widely viewed as one of the most talented players available. But Minnesota opted to trade that pick, plus the 46th pick, to the Detroit Lions. In return, they got the 32nd, 34th, and 66th overall selections. The Lions took wide receiver Jameson Williams with that No. 12 pick. Two picks later, at No. 14, Baltimore happily ended Hamilton’s brief slide right into their lap. O’Connell’s admitted that passing on him crosses his mind more than once. Minnesota ended up taking safety Lewis Cine at 32, a player who is no longer even with the organization. Talk about a decision that lingers!
An Elite Talent the League Praises
It’s easy to see why O’Connell reflects so much when you look at what Hamilton has become. The Ravens saw a talented prospect, and now they have a player many view as one of the faces of their defense, an elite safety in the NFL. Throughout training camp, coaches, teammates, and opponents have all been praising Hamilton. But here’s the kicker: many of the strongest endorsements start with the person before the player. O’Connell followed that pattern, too. His first compliment wasn’t about interceptions or coverage skills, it was about character. He straight up said, “The Ravens are very fortunate to have him.”
Four years after Hamilton unexpectedly fell into Baltimore’s hands on draft night, he’s exactly the kind of player every franchise dreams of finding in the middle of the first round. For the Vikings, O’Connell’s comments are a stark reminder: some draft-night decisions never truly fade away, especially when the guy you passed on becomes one of the absolute best in the league at his position. That’s a tough pill to swallow.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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