Jalen Ramsey: The Answer to the Las Vegas Raiders' Secondary Woes?
February 26, 2023
Hunter Macias
How Jalen Ramsey Can Help the Las Vegas Raiders Compete in the AFC West
Las Vegas Raiders
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Jalen Ramsey, one of the premier defensive backs in the NFL, has made a name for himself in his seven seasons in the league. Selected as a top-five pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft, he immediately made an impact, earning an All-Pro selection in his second season and establishing himself as the league's best cornerback.
After two more Pro Bowl seasons with the Jaguars, Ramsey was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks and a fourth. In LA, he continued his dominance, earning two consecutive All-Pro selections and three straight Pro Bowl nods, while helping the team win the Super Bowl in 2021. With an impressive 86.4 PFF grade, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles last season, he remains as impactful as ever. Despite his elite status, Ramsey may be available due to the Rams' current rebuilding process and need to shed salary. As the third-highest-paid cornerback in the league, he could be the odd man out.
How does he fit?
For the Las Vegas Raiders, adding Ramsey would be a game-changer for their defense. As an elite player who can fit into any scheme, Ramsey would undoubtedly slot in as the team's number-one cornerback and give their defense a much-needed facelift. He would be tasked with taking away the opposing offense's number-one receiving option, which is a critical role for any defense. While the cost of acquiring Ramsey is uncertain, it would likely require a combination of day two picks. However, given the Raiders' need for more playmakers on defense, the price would be well worth it. Outside of Maxx Crosby, the Raiders lack an elite player on defense, and Ramsey would not only give the defense an identity and attitude, but also another playmaker in crucial end-of-game situations.
Raiders need more playmakers on defense
The Las Vegas Raiders have a problem on their hands. They lack star power on defense. Maxx Crosby is an excellent player, but beyond him, the cupboard is bare. They need more elite players who can make a difference and change the course of a game. That's where Jalen Ramsey comes in. Ramsey is not just an elite player; he's one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He can cover the opposing team's top receiver, and he's not shy about letting everyone know how good he is. Adding him to the Raiders' defense would give the unit some much-needed identity and attitude. But it's not just about swagger. Ramsey is also a playmaker. He can make game-changing interceptions and force fumbles, and he's not afraid to take chances to make a big play. In those end-of-game situations where the Raiders have been relying on Crosby to come up with a big play, Ramsey could be the difference-maker they need. The Raiders have shown that they're not afraid to make big moves. Last offseason, they traded for Davante Adams, one of the best wide receivers in the league. This year, they need to make a similar move on the defensive side of the ball. Ramsey is the perfect fit. He's available, he's a star player, and he would give the Raiders the boost they need to compete at the highest level.
