The highest-ranked NFL draft prospect in 2015 was a member of the Florida State Seminoles. Twelve months on, it appears that FSU have done it again.

It’s unknown whether Jalen Ramsey will follow in the footsteps of Jameis Winston and become the first overall pick, but if the Titans do take the best player available on the Read American Football draft board, they might just pick up a superstar.

Many scouts and analysts have high hopes for the defender, who drew immediate comparisons to FSU great Deion Sanders when he became the first freshman to start at corner in the opening game of the season since Primetime did so, over 30 years ago.

Combine Results

It was anticipated that Ramsey was set for a good NFL Combine, due to his freakish physical abilities and experience as a member of the FSU track team. However, the pressure was on him to perform as the spotlight was trained on the former Seminole throughout the Monday session.

He did not disappoint.

The defensive back stormed through the drills and became the Combine’s top performer in both the vertical jump and broad jump, effectively locking up his status as the top defender in the Draft and a top-five selection.

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 202 lbs

40-Yard Dash: 4.41 seconds

Bench Press: 14 reps

Vertical Jump: 41.5 inches

Broad Jump: 135 inches

Three-Cone Drill: 6.94 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.18 seconds

60-Yard Shuttle: 11.10 seconds

Strengths

Jalen Ramsey is so attractive as a draft prospect because he showcases a rare blend of size and speed. In terms of frame, the former All-American fits the bill of a big, physical corner, but he also easily has the size to play at safety in the NFL.

This makes Ramsey an extremely dominant corner at the line of scrimmage as he has the ability to be disruptive and break up routes before they even get going, as he swallows up smaller receivers.

Ramsey’s closing speed has the potential to be elite in the NFL, and it makes him very hard to beat over the top. His length also contributes to his ability against the long ball, along with his tremendous leaping ability.

Tackling is not an issue. In three seasons, he made 180 for the Seminoles and his tape shows he is effective at wrapping up receivers at the point of contact.

In terms of versatility, Ramsey is able to play man or zone coverage, and is comfortable in a variety of roles. At FSU, he was utilised on the outside, in the slot position and at safety – where he played for a period of his freshman year.

Weaknesses

Our #1 prospect’s biggest strengths are his physical attributes, but it’s arguable that they are also Jalen Ramsey’s greatest weakness.

The 21-year-old is fully aware that he can physically match up with just about everyone he comes up against, and this can often be his downfall. Ramsey will need to learn more about the technicalities of the position in the NFL as, in College, he often relied too heavily on his natural gifts – something he won’t be able to get away with as much when faced up against elite receivers in the league.

When vertical down the field, he is tough to beat, but he isn’t as effective when playing laterally, especially against crossing routes. He must play tighter in the NFL or top quarterbacks will exploit this gap in his arsenal.

Although he is productive when asked to jam receivers at the line, his footwork isn’t the best and this can lead to quick receivers getting the better of him on short routes as the play progresses.

Despite his elite jumping ability, Ramsey didn’t record an interception in 2015, and only had three throughout his career in Tallahassee.

The Verdict

The NFL Combine was always going to be the watershed moment for Ramsey, and he passed with flying colours – cementing his place as the best defender in the class of 2016.

He isn’t the most polished defensive back to ever come into the NFL – and he has to improve on his weaknesses quickly if he wants to succeed – but his production in college paired with his outstanding attributes make him an extremely attractive prospect for any team in need of an X-factor on the defensive side of that ball. Expect him to be off the board by the time the sixth team are on the clock.

RAF Big Board Ranking: #1

Draft Prediction: Will be selected in the top five

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