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Jalen Ramsey aced his first test in the preseason

By Daniel Lago

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) celebrate during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) celebrate during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have high expectations for a revamped defense thanks to a number of new additions, one of them being Jalen Ramsey.

After giving fans a heart attack with what turned out to be a minor knee injury, Jalen Ramsey finally made his debut last weekend during the second preseason game and he did not disappoint. Ramsey was a terror in the run game, flashing his physicality and aggressiveness, and he also held his own in coverage against one of the better receivers in the NFL in Mike Evans.

Bucky Brooks over at NFL.com is handing out grades to players – seemingly at random – this preseason and he gave Ramsey an ‘A’ for his debut.

"JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: Jalen Ramsey, cornerback. The Jaguars’ top pick (No. 5 overall) gave the football world a glimpse at his impact potentialagainst the Buccaneers on Saturdaywhen he tallied three tackles in less than a quarter of work. Ramsey was active and aggressive against perimeter runs (notching a 6-yard tackle for loss), exhibiting outstanding instincts, strength and tackling skills drilling runners before they could get to the corner. In addition, Ramsey was solid in coverage against the Bucs’ Mike Evans. Ramsey effectively used his size, length and aggressiveness to disrupt the big-bodied receiver early in routes, and his snug positioning prevented Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston from squeezing in throws to his top target. If Ramsey can avoid the injury bug and continue to refine his technique as a corner, he will capably fill the void as the Jaguars’ CB1 in the secondary. GRADE: A"

Ramsey has had some rough moments in camp against Allen Robinson (understandable considering Robinson is on his way to becoming one of the top pass catchers in the league), but he’s shown he has the tools to become a playmaker as both a cornerback on the outside and a roamer in the box.

Ramsey probably won’t get a ton of snaps over the next two weeks, but expect him to be in on a ton of plays on a consistent basis once the regular season starts.

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