2nd Pick – Cleveland Browns (3-13)
Jalen Ramsey – CB/FS
Florida State – Junior
6-1, 202 Pounds
I can already tell you, this is going to be a heavy class based on defense alone, not to get confused with the first selection of Laremy Tunsil of Ole Miss. It officially begins with Jalen Ramsey of Florida State, a young man with much talent and charisma at the position. This will be the first time that a defensive back is chosen in the top two selections since Cleveland chose Eric Turner of UCLA in 1991. Turner turned out to be a very solid player for the Browns, and the Browns need to hope the same for Jalen Ramsey.
Ramsey would enter Cleveland in a very raw deal, with such roster turnover coming in Cleveland, it seems almost certain that the Browns would try to build around Jalen. That’s a lot to handle, and the Browns need him (along with Justin Gilbert) to dominate early. With the impending departure of Tashaun Gipson, Ramsey is the starting free safety. I like Ramsey a lot more because of his great tackling ability, and the willingness to get his nose dirty.
With much of the NFL becoming a passing league, the consensus seems to be filtered around the inability to stop a lot of amazing offenses in the AFC North, and the Browns need to address that first. Ramsey, on tape, seemed to be thrown at less then the other Florida State corners. Ramsey has natural insticts at attacking the ball, seems to trust his technique (which is what coaches preach about), and has a great motor on him. Value is what I’m talking about people!
Player Comparison: Patrick Peterson – Arizona Cardinals/Kenny Vacarro – New Orleans Saints
Next: The Chargers are on the clock