Chargers Editorial: If Draft was Today, Jalen Ramsey Should be the Pick at #3
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With free agency underway and the draft within seven weeks, the NFL fever is already in mid-season form. This ‘fever,’ that occurs every year (six months before teams start their season, no less), creates an emotional frenzy from die-hard NFL fans everywhere. Fans are either predicting deep playoff runs for their teams or jumping off the tallest high-rise in sight because their squad is falling further down the rabbit hole.
Charger fans, pump the brakes.
The Bolts have barely have emptied the 500 piece puzzle box of the ocean floor, and they haven’t even found the four corners to build the border of the picture yet.
This is when Jerry Seinfeld says, “Now, having said that…” I will use our old friend common sense to determine what the San Diego Chargers should do with the 3rd pick, as of right now.
Jalen Ramsey from Florida State is my pick. He has all the physical abilities you dream of for a defensive back, and brings a versatility that can help the entire defensive side of the ball. However, what impresses myself the most, is that you hear the phrase “has football I.Q.” thrown around when talking about Ramsey. Some things can be coached, some cannot. Instincts are something you can’t teach. It is one of the situations in sports, whether you either have it or you don’t. Ramsey puts himself in position to make big hits and plays on the football. Which is, at the end of the day, something the Chargers’ defensive unit has been lacking.
With Patrick Robinson still shopping around the league, the Chargers have a hole at CB. “What about Brandon Flowers? “ You tell me. I think Flowers is giving his best Donald Butler impression while taking Telesco for a ride. I would love to be proved wrong, but in my opinion he cannot be relied upon as a #2 corner. If the Bolts don’t bring back Robinson or another CB in free agency, I think this is a no-brainer selecting Ramsey.
Even if they bring in an aforementioned CB, you still could argue a case for Ramsey. Can you sit here right now and feel comfortable with the safety positions? I can’t. Dwight Lowry was a nice addition, but I do not see him as the final answer at FS. I don’t even feel good with Jahleel Addae at SS, but that’s a whole different story.
Nationwide, there is the understanding that this is one of the deepest draft classes ever for defensive lineman. When, compared to a “normal” draft, you can find a 1st/2nd round talent in rounds 3 and 4 this year. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware the Chargers still have a starting vacancy on the D-Line. But we can use the draft class’ depth to our advantage, and fill that void in later rounds.
There is only one Jalen Ramsey in this draft. He has the versatility that allows you to either pair him outside with Jason Verrett, giving the Chargers two shut down CB’s (almost a necessity in today’s NFL); or you can put him at free safety, replacing Eric Weddle. This would leave Lowry in the veteran backup role, which makes sense if you look at the contract terms he signed.
The San Diego Chargers’ current roster presents its fair share of questions. We can only hope that all of them are answered by summer break. Selecting Jalen Ramsey with the 3rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft can help Charger Nation get some rest before training camp.
Born and raised in Chula Vista. Lifelong fan of Padres and SDSU (mens’ basketball and football). The former professional football team in San Diego used to be my favorite squad.
My first vivid memories of our beloved teams include witnessing Marshall Faulk and Darnay Scott torching teams in the WAC at the Murph, Tony Gwynn sandwiched in the lineup by Gary Sheffield and Fred McGriff.
Check me out on Twitter @Lukelley where there’s a link to my podcast: The LK Show.
Good stuff. I wouldn’t be upset with Ramey at #3.