Jalen Ramsey could make huge impact in rookie season if he stays healthy
By Daniel Lago
Considered by many to be the best overall player in the draft, Jalen Ramsey is a potential impact defender.
When the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock with the 4th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, most Jacksonville Jaguars fans had accepted that Jalen Ramsey likely wouldn’t be available at number 5. When the Cowboys opted for running back Ezekiel Elliott, Jaguars fans rejoiced and the team couldn’t sprint to the podium fast enough.
The fanbase had a collective heart attack when news emerged of Ramsey’s torn meniscus, but a successful surgery in recent weeks means he should be back in time for training camp. Missing practices isn’t ideal for a rookie, but this shouldn’t affect the impact he could have as a rookie if this timeline holds.
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Bucky Brooks of NFL.com thinks Ramsey’s worst-case scenario
revolves around missing too many practices while he recovers from his knee surgery. If he’s healthy, Ramsey could become an elite corner fairly quickly according to Brooks.
"Best-case scenario: The Jaguars’ new CB1 immediately emerges as a premier cover corner in the team’s hybrid bump-and-run coverage scheme. Ramsey’s world-class athleticism and feisty temperament makes him a nightmare for receivers to face on the perimeter. With Gus Bradley encouraging his young star to bully and badger receivers on the island, the Jaguars’ defense dramatically improves behind a young, athletic nucleus of playmakers.Worst-case scenario: Ramsey’s knee injury lingers into the regular season and prevents him from thriving as the Jaguars’ CB1. After missing valuable reps during OTAs and minicamps, Ramsey fails to master the proper footwork and shadow technique needed to blanket shifty receivers on the edges, which leads to inconsistent play from the rookie corner.My projection: 55 total tackles, two INTs and 21 passes defensed."
Brooks clearly thinks Ramsey is going to be damn good out of the gate if he projects those stats. Two interceptions is plenty as a rookie, and 21 passes defensed would have put Ramsey 5th overall in that statistic in 2015.
If he’s healthy, I agree that Ramsey could have a terrific rookie season. Unlike last year, the Jaguars should have a vastly improved pass rush and the coverage in the middle of the field should be significantly better with Myles Jack on board. Ramsey will also have help behind him with Tashaun Gipson holding the free safety spot. Ramsey will have plenty of support and should thrive immediately.