Rutgers defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton was outstanding at this year's Hula Bowl. Hamilton captured the attention of scouts and met with more than 12 organizations in attendance. He enjoyed a career-best season this past year, recording four sacks and five tackles for loss.
Hamilton recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network after running in the 4.9s at his Pro Day at 6-foot-3 and 305 pounds. Hamilton discussed his breakout campaign at Rutgers, his pass-rushing arsenal, positional versatility, and more.
JM: You decided to participate in this year's Hula Bowl. There was a lot of talent out there. What do you think you proved to scouts in attendance?
Kyonte Hamilton: I think I proved that I could hang with the prospects who also deserved to be there. It was a great opportunity for me to showcase my skills and play style to scouts in attendance.
I put some good things on tape, some good pass-rushing moves, and run-block deconstruction. It reinforced what you see from me on tape. It was a great opportunity for me to go out there and prove what I can be as a player.
JM: You were versatile enough throughout your time at Rutgers to play both defensive tackle and defensive end. You showcased more of the same at the Hula Bowl. Where do evaluators see you playing at the next level?
Kyonte Hamilton: I think most evaluators see me being an interior player at the next level. I’m an interior defensive lineman, maybe a 3-tech or defensive tackle. I can play a little nose guard as well.
I definitely want to have the ability to play wherever I’m needed though. I want to be the first guy they call when somebody goes down. I want to be known as a versatile chess piece moving forward.
JM: You've proven that at a high level. Did you meet with many NFL teams in attendance? Do you have any other upcoming visits on the calendar?
Kyonte Hamilton: I did meet with a good amount of teams at the Hula Bowl. I had some great interviews and conversations. I’m looking forward to more of those. I met with the Chiefs, Saints, Lions, Raiders, Steelers, and a few others at Hula. I also met with the Chiefs and Ravens at Pro Day.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You had career highs in sacks (4.0) and tackles for loss (5.0) this past season. What do you think changed for you?
Kyonte Hamilton: I think I just honed in on more of my skill set. I was also a more experienced player, which played a role. I’ve been playing as a defensive lineman for the past four years and I’ve gotten better every season. I had a breakout year in 2024.
I put in extra effort after practice. I managed to pick up the small details from the coaching staff. All of that combined to help me reach a higher performance ceiling. I had great people around me. The coaching staff at Rutgers believed in me. They gave me an opportunity to play well this past season.
JM: Do you feel like you're a three-down defensive lineman at the next level? Talk to me about your ability to stop the run.
Kyonte Hamilton: I do feel like I’m a three-down lineman, yeah. Even prior to this season, I always thought I was a decent run defender, even better than I was a pass rusher. This past year, I evened out the playing field and became an effective player in both areas.
I was playing first, second, and third down. I play with really good leverage in the run game. I have good hand placement. I need to work on not getting too high at times. I can make plays against double teams. I beat one-on-one blocks.
As a pass rusher, I’m more of an athlete inside. I’ve developed that skill set. I have speed and power as an interior pass rusher.
JM: Expand on your pass-rush arsenal for me. What are your go-to moves and counters?
Kyonte Hamilton: I would describe myself as twitchy. I have moves that help me win the edge. I have speed moves and counters in my arsenal. I’m versatile. I can hit you with speed or power. It just depends. You can’t rely on always winning with speed around the edge.
I can use an array of moves to help me get to the quarterback.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been so much fun. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Kyonte Hamilton?
Kyonte Hamilton: A team should draft Kyonte Hamilton because I’m going to be the versatile player they need. I can play any position they need me to play. I can learn any position and know it like the back of my hand.
I go out there and play hard. I’m always going to put my best foot forward for the organization.
