Broncos’ Sean Payton admires Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton

Sean Payton couldn’t help but admire Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton.

As he prepared for Denver’s road game against the Ravens on Sunday, the Broncos coach was struck by Baltimore’s third-year safety and the problems he poses for the offense.

Payton said Hamilton, a 2022 first-round pick out of Notre Dame, can be a threat anywhere on the field.

A tremendous tackler with good football IQ, Hamilton is especially dangerous when Baltimore sends him after the quarterback. He has 10 quarterback pressures and two sacks. On five occasions, Hamilton’s pressure was less than three seconds, according to Next Gen Stats.

“We need to know where he is and not have protection where he is free,” Payton said. “He’s one of the best defenders I’ve seen in a long time.”

Hamilton has had success since his rookie season, when he collected 62 tackles and broke up five passes in 16 games (four as a starter). During his sophomore campaign, he was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press after recording 81 tackles, three sacks, four interceptions and 13 passes defensed.

However, Hamilton cost the Ravens a game against the Browns last week when he dropped a game-tying interception in the fourth quarter. However, he is having another strong year with 57 tackles, four pass breakups and a forced fumble.

“His film was incredible,” Payton said. “By the end of the week you really noticed his skills (and) they do a great job of putting him in positions where he can be closer to the ball.”

Locke excluded: As expected, Denver starting guard P.J. Locke (thumb) will miss his second straight game. Locke was placed on the non-participant list for practice Friday. He practiced with the team before working with the coach on the sideline.

Safety Delaryn Turner-Yell, who opened his 21-day activation window from the reserve/physically unable to perform list this week, was also ruled out despite being a full participant for two straight days.

Jackson will play on Sunday: Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson practiced Friday and put to rest any doubt that he won’t play Sunday.

“One hundred percent (I’m playing),” Jackson told reporters in Baltimore. “There was no doubt about it.”

Jackson missed the last two days of practice and was listed on the team report with a back and knee injury. Like coach John Harbaugh, Jackson said he missed time due to rest.

“I was just relaxing. It’s a long season,” the two-time MVP said.