During his extensive coaching career, which includes more than 20 years in the National Football League, Baltimore Ravens senior defensive assistant and secondary coach Chuck Pagano has worked with numerous Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinees and managed several highly rated secondaries. Returning to the Ravens this offseason after previous roles as secondary coach from 2008 to 2010 and defensive coordinator in 2011, Pagano now oversees a defensive backfield that features both experienced veterans and promising newcomers.
The team added Jaire Alexander and Chidobe Awuzie through free agency while drafting rookie safety Malaki Starks in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Returning players include multi-time Pro Bowl selections cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton, as well as second-year corner Nate Wiggins.
Although official games have yet to be played this season, Pagano offered strong praise for his unit’s preparation and attitude. He said, “[They have the] talent levels, but they don’t miss on the football character of the guys that come in here [from] top to bottom. [General manager Eric DeCosta] and the personnel guys bring in a great group of guys that love football. Their football character is off the charts.”
Pagano also singled out Kyle Hamilton for his high level of intelligence on the field. In making a comparison to Hall of Famer Ed Reed—a player widely considered one of the most cerebral defenders in league history—he explained how experience can elevate play. Pagano stated, “I think guys like Kyle and some guys that were here before Kyle, guys like Ed, per se, they pick up the defense so fast (…) They’re out there, and they’re not thinking about our calls. They’re not thinking about our scheme. Now, early on, probably [in] Year One [or] Year Two, but right now, where he is at in the phase of his football life, what he’s doing [is] he’s diagnosing the situation. He knows the down and distance. He knows the personnel group that’s in the huddle. He can see and recognize a formation. So, he’s one step ahead.”
On Hamilton’s work behind closed doors preparing for opponents each week, Pagano added: “Behind the scenes, Kyle prepares as good as anybody (…) He watches a ton of film so he’s got almost every play kind of whittled down to one or two plays in every situation so [it] gives him a chance to make plays.”
For rookie safety Malaki Starks—who joined from University of Georgia—Pagano noted an ability to adapt quickly at this level: “He has been awesome the whole time (…). I think game has really slowed down for him (…). He’s done a great job and picked up our defense. So like I talked about [with] Kyle [Hamilton] earlier he’s now starting to be able to take next step (…). The game’s really slowing down for him (…). He’s just a natural back there.”
The combination of returning talent with new acquisitions gives Baltimore optimism regarding its secondary heading into this season.
