2016 NFL Draft: Jalen Ramsey voted best overall pick
By Luke Sims
The 2016 NFL Draft didn’t really start until the third overall selection with the San Diego Chargers. But it was the fifth overall selection of Jalen Ramsey by the Jacksonville Jaguars that was viewed most favorably.
Daniel Lago and I already put out our ‘A’ grade of the Jacksonville Jaguars selection of Jalen Ramsey, but we’re (at least slightly) biased toward the Jags. Ramsey is no doubt an excellent addition and, as if we needed to prove it, it’s worth highlighting a vote from experts before the 2016 NFL Draft.
At 11:00am the day of the first round of the draft, NFL.com’s Dan Parr posted a vote from 19 talent evaluators (from the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel) on who was the best player in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jalen Ramsey picked up a plurality with ease. Here are the results from his post:
"1. Florida State DB Jalen Ramsey (7 votes)2. Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil (3.5)3. UCLA LB Myles Jack (2.5)T-4. Ohio State DE Joey Bosa (2)T-4. Notre Dame LB Jaylon Smith (2)T-4. North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz (2)"
The truly impressive thing here is that Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith are both still on the board and are possibly going to slip further due to knee concerns for both linebackers. The Jacksonville Jaguars could be in play for Jack as early as the top of the second round, which would be a major coup in the drat world. Smith is expected to slide lower.
But the important thing to come away with here is just how well regarded Ramsey is. Before all of the trading up for quarterbcks, he could have gone as early as first overall. His fall to fifth overall was a bit of a draft day miracle for the Jags and immediately turns this year’s draft into a success.
Next: 5 second round options for the Jags
There’s consensus about one thing: Jalen Ramey will be very, very good in the NFL. Congrats again to the Jaguars!