Doug Farrar, of SB Nation, will be writing about Secret Superstars throughout the 2025 NFL Season — those players who’s performances may slip under the radar due to various reasons. This installment focuses on Ravens defensiveback Alohi Gillman, who’s arrival in Baltimore set off a dramatic defensive improvement.

There are some exceptions to the rule that most NFL trades do not work out well for both parties. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff for the Detroit Lions’ current roster as well as draft picks. The Los Angeles Rams, with Stafford still playing at an MVP-level at 37, won their second Super Bowl. Minnesota Vikings traded Stefon Diggs to Buffalo Bills in exchange for draft picks. Justin Jefferson was one of those. Jared Allen was traded by the Kansas City Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for draft picks, which included Branden Albert and Jamaal Charles.

Most trades do not produce immediate results, but one has. The Harbaugh Brothers made a trade on October 7 that sent Baltimore Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh over to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for defensive back Alohi Gilman. Both players have excelled in their new environments, and in surprising ways. Oweh had four sacks with the Chargers and twelve total pressures over four games, compared to none with the Ravens. But since this is a Ravens website, let’s concentrate on the guy John’s team acquired in the trade, rather than Jim’s favorite pass-rusher.

The 2025 Ravens defense had been one of the worst in the NFL through Week 6. With all the injuries it did not look like there would be any relief. The Ravens’ defense gave up a passer rating of 108.5, which was the fifth-worst one in the NFL. They also allowed 14 touchdowns and only 1 interception. The Ravens’ defense allowed the NFL’s worst 32.3 points a game. And the EPA (equivalent play-against-against) per play was… not good — +0.145.

Gilman played in Week 6 of the Ravens’ season, but they lost 17-3 to a Rams squad that felt it was perfectly acceptable to debut Sean McVay’s new obsession with 13 personnel.

The Ravens’ defensive line scared no one. Since Week 6 and then the bye, things have improved. In their last two matches, which included victories over the Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins, these new Ravens allowed an average of 11 points per match, the second best in the NFL. Their EPA per play, -0.086, is also the 10th best.

Gilman’s positive impact on the defense is as much about how he lets Kyle Hamilton play as it is what Gilman does himself. The Ravens’ defense was saved in the second half last season when Hamilton switched from his normal do-it all thing to a more deep safety. It’s the opposite this season. Hamilton is a much more box-oriented player with Gilman and Malaki starks in the deep third. Hamilton has been in the box over 50% of the times in the last three matches, the most he’s ever done in his career.

Gilman and Hamilton also played together for a while at Notre Dame.

Gilman said that his partnership with Hamilton was “like riding a bicycle” after Baltimore’s 28-6 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. “It was like playing pickup with two friends at the YMCA. Me and ‘K Ham’ picked up right where we left off. We connect on a deeper level because we share some common experiences. We share similar personalities. It’s easy to connect with him. I don’t even know if we have Notre Dame genes in common. I’m happy to be around. “He’s the best player in the league if not even the best. I love being around him and making plays with him.

Baltimore has been an amazing place to be, and the trade of Dre’Mont jones for the ex-Tennessee Titans’ pass-rusher could help ease the pain from the Oweh defeat.

It’s about time we start believing again in the Ravens defense.