Scouting Profile: Jalen Ramsey could continue the hybrid DB revolution

Get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NFL draft, which takes place from April 28-30 in Chicago.

Jalen Ramsey

Position: CB/S
School: Florida State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 209 lbs.
Age: 21

NFL player comparison: Tyrann Mathieu

Ramsey excelled at both safety and cornerback at the collegiate level, and is the embodiment of the modern defensive back. The 21-year-old combines Mathieu's best traits, namely his versatility at cornerback/safety, world-class athleticism, ball skills, and diagnostic ability. Possessing upper-echelon acceleration, speed, and ability to take calculated risks, Ramsey is the continued evolution of the hybrid defensive back in the NFL.

Draft Projection: Round 1 (Top 5 overall)

Strengths

• Ramsey's ball skills are unmatched, displaying an incredible penchant to track down the football in coverage for interceptions. With excellent hands, Ramsey can secure the ball like a wide receiver and he'll rarely, if ever, lose a jump ball.
• Ramsey displays elite closing speed and is able to bait quarterbacks into risky passes as a result. Also possesses excellent straight-line speed.
• Excels in press coverage, and shows excellent diagnostic ability at the line of scrimmage.
• Ramsey's outstanding athleticism and anticipations allows him to reroute easily and be disruptive.
• Due to his speed and lateral movement, Ramsey seldom, if ever, gets beat to the outside.
• Gravitates to the ball and does a great job of bringing the ball carrier down.

Weaknesses

• Because of his recovery speed, Ramsey will at times take unnecessary risks in allowing his receiver to get behind him to bait an interception.
• Although he does a good job of wrapping up, Ramsey will need to tackle lower at the professional level or runs the risk of getting run over.

Combine Results