This defensive tackle could provide value as a late-round selection.
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, the Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to bolster their roster with as much talent as possible. If they’re aiming to strengthen their defensive line, Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton could be a name to watch.
A former collegiate wrestler, Hamilton offers an impressive mix of strength and athleticism. While he may not project as a future star, his game film suggests he’s more than capable of carving out a role at the next level.
Player Profile
Though slightly undersized for the position, Hamilton is a strong athlete with the kind of explosive traits that translate well to playing defensive tackle in the NFL.
Standing at 6’3″ and 303 pounds, Kyonte Hamilton is considered slightly undersized for an interior defensive lineman. However, his pro day showed off impressive short-area burst and explosiveness from a low stance.
A 9’02” broad jump and a 1.70-second 10-yard split in the 40-yard dash highlight his ability to generate power from an athletic stance—offering a glimpse into how his game could translate at the pro level.
His strong athletic testing is sure to catch the eyes of scouts and coaches, while his film backs it up, showcasing a tough, physical presence on the field.
Run Defense
Hamilton’s background in wrestling is immediately noticeable when watching him defend the run. His ability to play with great leverage and a solid base allows him to absorb double teams and effectively control two gaps along the defensive front.
At Rutgers, Hamilton lined up at multiple spots along the defensive front, and on early downs, he was occasionally positioned at defensive end to help set the edge and control the line of scrimmage.
At the snap, Hamilton explodes into the right tackle and, thanks to his leverage, holds his ground without giving an inch. With the edge sealed off, the running back is forced to hesitate, allowing the rest of the defense to close in. Hamilton ultimately helps finish the play, and his ability to anchor at the point of attack was key to shutting it down.
Hamilton’s blend of strength, leverage, and short-area quickness made him an effective two-gap defender. When lined up as a 3-technique, he often faced off one-on-one with guards. On one play, the right guard tries to reach him off the snap, but Hamilton maintains control by splitting the blocker and holding his ground. With a low pad level, he reads the running back’s movement and, as the back commits to a cut, Hamilton sheds the block and makes the tackle.
His power and leverage at the point of attack keep him from being pushed back, while his quickness allows him to disengage and finish the play.
Pass Rush
Though Hamilton recorded just five sacks during his college career, and likely won’t be a high-end pass rusher in the NFL, his combination of power and leverage gives him the potential to disrupt pockets and push the interior line at the next level.
Hamilton leverages his impressive short-area quickness as a pass rusher to penetrate the backfield and disrupt quarterbacks.
During designed rollout plays, he effectively “backdoors” the pass protection by initially moving with the offensive line, then rapidly darting through the backside A-gap to infiltrate the pocket and bring down the quarterback.
Additionally, Hamilton makes good use of his leverage in bull rush situations.
Lining up at defensive end to start the play, Hamilton quickly loops inside at the snap and targets the right guard. With a strong initial punch, he drives the guard backward into the pocket. Just as the quarterback prepares to throw, Hamilton disengages and swats the pass down, effectively ending the play.
The Bottom Line
The Chiefs have expressed interest in Hamilton, and a meeting during the Hula Bowl suggests he could be a day-three target or someone they consider signing as an undrafted free agent.
Hamilton’s athletic potential, versatility across the defensive front, and ability to defend the run make him a logical fit for a team like Kansas City looking to bolster its depth.
The Chiefs will need to keep building depth along the defensive line and identify developmental prospects. While Hamilton may not project as a star, his skill set and work ethic make him a strong candidate to contribute as a reliable rotational piece in the future.
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