Jacksonville Jaguars should target Jalen Ramsey in 2016 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars have had one magnificent offseason so far. If they are able to land cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the 2016 NFL Draft, they will be the team to watch heading into next season.
In my most recent mock draft, the Jaguars get lucky beyond words to see Ramsey still available for the taking when they’re on the clock with their No. 5 overall pick. The Jaguars are one of the few up-and-coming teams to look forward to watching in 2016 to see if they can deliver a memorable season. The Jaguars are close, but if they are to be competitors in the AFC South, it will come down to how well their defense comes together from their offseason.
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While the Jaguars’ offense showed some serious potential last season, their defense is what truly led to their abysmal 5-11 record last year. They were unable to stop the run or pass and let opponents run wild against them offensively with anything they decided to hit them with. Things would change dramatically with the addition of Ramsey to solidify their new-look secondary.
Make no mistake about it, defense wins championships. If there’s anything the current Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos have taught the football world, it’s that a top defense can shut down even the best offense coming their way. One position that needs an impact player on the Jaguars’ defense is cornerback.
At 6’1″ and 201 pounds, Ramsey is the complete package at the position and could be a future leader on the Jaguars. He’s fast, intelligent and will prove to be a difference maker on defense for years to come. In his collegiate career at Florida State, Ramsey totaled 181 tackles, 5.0 sacks and three interceptions.
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The Jaguars dropped some serious money this offseason on upgrading their defense which makes adding Ramsey even more enticing to field a completely new and effective unit in 2016.
With free agent acquisitions in defensive tackle Malik Jackson, safety Tashaun Gipson and cornerback Prince Amukamara, the Jaguars are serious about finally being contenders next season, something they haven’t done in a very long time.
Of course the best teams are the ones that add important pieces in free agency but above all else, have a solid draft class. One that mixes talent ready to start next season and players that could be developed to the next level over the next few years to have a bright future. The Jaguars so far look to be following this game plan and if they do end up targeting and drafting Ramsey, they will surprise many next season.
Ramsey has been projected to be the best player in this year’s draft and is not only an immediate starter but also an impact player. He will undoubtedly be a cornerstone for years to come on the Jaguars’ defense as with everything hopefully coming to fruition this upcoming season, will be a major contributor on defense for the next few years to make a run at the division and hopefully earn a spot in the NFL Playoffs. Expectations are high next season for the Jaguars as adding Ramsey makes this team one to reckon with.
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With a solid skill-set that features keen defensive instincts and an ability to shut down even the best receivers coming his way, Ramsey’s versatility to also play as an effective safety allows him to be everything the Jaguars could ask for and much more. They should feel more than confident making this their final decision in the first round of this year’s draft as he will live up the hype and exceed expectations upon his arrival into the NFL wearing a Jaguars uniform.