Jaguars All-Pro Cornerback Jalen Ramsey has requested a trade after a 12-13 loss against the Houston Texans. The request comes after Ramsey and Head Coach Doug Marrone had a…conversation on the sideline:
Reportedly, the starting price for the CB is a first-round pick, but from there, they want teams to bid up. That comes as no surprise considering the recent trade between the Steelers and Dolphins that saw Minkah shipped to Pittsburgh for a flurry of draft selections after initial reports cited it was just the Steelers’ first-round pick in 2020.
Ramsey is a rare gem on the market
Ramsey was arguably the best player in the 2016 draft, but was pushed back to 5th overall primarily due to Wentz and Goff going 1 and 2.
In his short stay in the NFL so far, he has made the All-rookie team, pro bowls in 2017 and 2018, and All-Pro in 2017. He has recorded 44 pass deflections, 9 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 193 tackles.
In his best year in 2017, Ramsey recorded a season coverage grade of 91.6, good for second on the season.
Going against the best
In his tenure, Ramsey has been asked to cover the best receivers weekly, which has resulted in really impressive shutdown games and games where he gives up bigger numbers.
Some examples:
- Vs Deandre Hopkins in 2017: He gave up 3 of 7 passes for 23 yards, 0 TDs.
- Vs Antonio Brown in 2017: He gave up 5 receptions on 12 targets for 100 yards and 1 interception.
- Vs OBJ in 2018: He allowed 5 receptions on 7 targets for 75 yards
- Vs Tyreek Hill in 2018: He forced just 3 catches on 6 targets for 59 yards
- Vs Antonio Brown in 2018: He gave up 8 catches on 14 targets for 158 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, and 1 pass breakup
In the way Schwartz plays defense for the Eagles, CB’s are put on an island with the WRs, pretty much regardless of matchup. Sounds like something Ramsey would thrive in, no?
The Eagles would finally have a #1 cornerback
The Eagles don’t have a reliable cornerback. I mean, they are running a ‘cornerback by committee’ for crying out loud. In fact, the Eagles have not had a true #1 cornerback since, well, Asante Samuel?
It’s not that the team hasn’t tried to find stability on the CB position, spending significant draft capital in the last few years:
| Player | Draft pick |
| Sidney Jones | 2 |
| Rasul Douglas | 3 |
| Jalen Mills | 7 |
| Ronald Darby | 3 |
| Avonte Maddox | 4 |
Taking a look at the Eagles’ CB’s since 2013, Ramsey would be a HUGE upgrade over any of them, and remember, Ramsey posts the numbers against the best WRs in the league, every week:
The only player that comes close to Ramsey is Darby, who has been struggling with injuries, and as we saw vs Falcons, he struggled against Julio Jones, posting a horrible 30.0 grade.
Eagles should trade for Ramsey, no matter the cost
At some point, you have to admit that your effort in bringing in a starting CB has failed, despite putting in significant draft capital, money, and effort.
Ramsey presents a rare opportunity to bring in one of the best, at a young age, and with a chip on his shoulder. He is signed through 2020 with the 5th year option, and then you have a chance to franchise tag him, keeping the price down.
On a team that doesn’t value LBs, who can’t get to the QB against terrible offensive lines, and who has failed to find a true starting CB to hang their hat on, you have to value getting Ramsey here.
Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
