The Great DB Debate: Does Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey have some company?

Is there a true competition between Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey and Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James? Both FSU studs are top talents.

It’s a debate that NFL fans on both sides the coast could talk about for days, possibly all during the 2019 season. Which defensive back, Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey or safety Derwin James of the Los Angeles Chargers, is the better pro player? As an FSU alum and fan of both stars, I defer to others to make the argument for me.

Our friends at FanSided’s Chop Chat is doing just that.

"“It’s been a debate that has taken over the world of college football for decades – which program is the real DBU, producing the best talent in the secondary at the next level? While it’s cute that other programs think they are in the same conversation as FSU, the reality is that there is no program close to the Seminoles,” writes Jason Parker."

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I have to say I am a bit partial to Ramsey, having watched him play the past three seasons, seeing one of the best players in the NFL continue to grow and get better each season. And knowing he and former FSU star and NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders shared a conversation or two in the first week of training camp gave me a sense of pride, so much so I wore a bit of the garnet and gold with an ear-to-ear grin on my face.

Really, this is a debate about perception, not about ability. Jalen Ramsey is the better pro right now. James is going to be one of the better defensive backs to put on a Chargers jersey and potentially one of the best to ever play the position. What makes this kind of debate special is the relationship the two have off the field. When James was drafted by the Chargers, Ramsey pointed out his “brother” was drafted by the team with the coach – Gus Bradley – who brought him into the league.

It’s also led to speculation that if Ramsey does leave the Jaguars at some point in his career, could the west coast become a destination playing alongside James in the Chargers secondary?  It’s a scary thought.

Ramsey was ranked 27th on the NFL Top 100 list while James was a few spots below at 31. He was the highest-ranked FSU player on the board, something I am sure he takes pride in but still questions if there are 26 players in the NFL who are better than the Jaguars star. And when it comes to talking on the field and getting into opponents’ heads, there may not be anyone who can top his act.

One year in the NFL and Parker explains James could be ready for an explosive season, surpassing Ramsey’s three-year stats with the Jaguars.

"“When you look at the stats from Ramsey’s three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the single-season from James with the Los Angeles Chargers last year, it comes off like the man in the City of Angels could be the best out of the group…”"

We all know when comments like that are made, Jalen Ramsey is the first one to chime in and speak his mind.

Jalen Ramsey, not wanting to give an inch, will be ready for the upcoming season. Knowing he is not getting a new deal with the team this coming year and will have his fifth-year option picked up in 2020 might be enough motivation to have the best season of his NFL career.

That’s a bonus for the Jaguars and the NFL. Elite players play at elite levels when the moment comes. Both Ramsey and James should shine once again for their teams this season. As long as the Jaguars have their best player making plays to help this team win, I will continue to sit back and enjoy this debate over which FSU star is the best all day long.