Jalen Ramsey wants to play corner in NFL
By Luke Sims
Jalen Ramsey, the top secondary player in the 2016 NFL Draft, believes he is more of a cornerback than a safety at the NFL level.
It’s rare when a rookie player is able to dictate which position he wants to play in the NFL, but Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey may just be good enough to do that.
Revealed the day before the 2016 NFL Draft, Ramsey revealed that he thinks of himself as a cornerback at the NFL level. According to NFL.com writer Kevin Patra, Ramsey responded with “no hesitation” that he wants to play cornerback when asked on Around the NFL.
"“I will play anywhere a team wants me to play, just like I did in college it doesn’t matter to me. I want to play ball” – Jalen Ramsey"
That’s neither here nor there for many teams that are interested in Ramsey. The player will likely leap at the chance to play either safety or cornerback with whichever team is fortunate enough to draft him and with many teams coveting his versatility, he should see time at both positions. He could be the next Charles Woodson and teams won’t let that go to waste.
For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this is a great opportunity.
The Jags signed Prince Amukamara to a one-year “prove it” deal to lock down the other cornerback position opposite Davon House. The Jags also signed ball hawk free safety Tashaun Gipson. If the Jags were to draft Ramsey (as Mike Mayock predicts), they have more opportunities to use him at corner than at safety. This isn’t to say that he wouldn’t be used in the most optimum way for the team, regardless of position and need, but it is nice to know that he fits where the Jaguars would need him.
Ramsey is entering the NFL knowing that the perception is that he can be a renaissance man. He wants to play football and he’ll take on whatever duty is assigned him. But it’s important to note that he thinks of himself as a cornerback first and that this role can be developed initially with the Jaguars before any transition is risked. Young players that are asked to do too much are at risk of flaming out and the Jags wouldn’t want to do that with Ramsey.
Next: Does Jalen Ramsey go to the Jags in B&T's first round staff mock?
Jalen Ramsey can be a difference maker on whichever team he plays for. With the Jacksonville Jaguars, his interests coincide with the team’s needs.