The Cleveland Browns have the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft and may take a look at Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey as a possible selection.
The Cleveland Browns were atrocious on defense in the 2015 NFL season and ranked No. 30 overall in total defense. Saying the defense needs help is an understatement as the Browns, once prided on their defense (by a Browns standard), struggled in all aspects.
Finishing in the bottom-twenties in terms of defensive ranking among all NFL teams in both passing yards allowed and rushing yards as well, Cleveland ranked No. 25 in total defense in the NFL and finished among the bottom-three for points allowed per game.
Obviously the Browns were injury ridden throughout the 2015 NFL season, especially on defense. Their cornerstone defensive back Joe Haden was limited to only five games this past season due to numerous concussions. Former No. 8 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft Justin Gilbert remains a bust and not only is his talent questioned, but his passion and work ethic are doubted on top of his poor play in his first two seasons.
Tramon Williams was signed to help Haden hold down the cornerback position, something that Haden didn’t have the luxury of previously. The former Green Bay Packer disappointed tremendously in his first season in Cleveland after receiving a three-year deal last free agency worth $21 million, $10 million being guaranteed.
Posting only one interception and 10 pass deflections, both career lows since entering his rookie season in 2007, the Browns depended on a few young, inexperienced players in K’Waun Williams, Pierre Desir and Johnson Bademosi. All played decent and Williams proved he’s worthy of an improved role in 2016. Also, 2015 draft pick Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, who didn’t see the field his rookie season due to an injury from college, is expected to return this season and is an intriguing player as he was a top defensive back in college.
Despite the young talent the Browns have at the defensive back position, they’ve learned repeatedly that potential is far from talent. This years draft class is considered a deep one and is loaded with talent.
The conversation regarding the cornerback position starts with Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey, highly considered the most talented player overall in the draft.
Next: Jalen Ramsey
Ramsey was the first cornerback to start for the Seminoles since Deion Sanders and serves as an intriguing prospect due to his experience playing both cornerback and safety at the Division I level. He was honored as a Freshmen All-American in 2013 and received All-American honors in both 2014 and 2015.
The former Seminole was quite the athlete as a sprinter and the long jump, winning a championship for Florida State’s track team in both. At 6-foot-1, Ramsey has the ability to size up with receivers and impresses with his strength combined with his speed.
His vertical jump was recorded at 41.5 inches and his broad jump was measured at 135.0 inches, both leading the rest of the draft class at his positions. Ramsey ran a 4.41 for his 40 yard dash and also a 6.94 for the 3 cone drill.
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He can defend the receiver position whether on the outside or in the slot and has incredible upside. His statistics in college were impressive enough to be labeled the best defensive back in the draft.
Ramsey totaled 80 tackles in 2014, including 10 for a loss, while also adding three sacks, two interceptions and three forced fumbles. In his final season he posted 52 total tackles, a sack and nine pass deflections.
Regarded as a top talent in the 2016 draft class, Ramsey is on nearly every teams radar.
Next: Fit with the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland can’t wait any longer for their All-Pro defensive back Joe Haden to return to the gridiron this upcoming season after missing 11 games in 2015. Now that Tashaun Gipson has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, there is a major hole in the secondary.
The Browns are going to be desperate for help with the diminishing Donte Whitner and Tramon Williams, younger cornerbacks and the face of the franchise being injured all year last season.
Ramsey could step in immediately and play either cornerback or, now that Gipson is gone, he can replace him at free safety. Jimmy Haslam, Sashi Brown, Paul Depodesta and Hue Jackson want to bring in the most talented players in the draft and we’ll really see how much of a role analytics play come April 28. Jalen Ramsey is that player and is the best player in the draft, according to NFL analyst Matt Miller.
No matter who the Cleveland Browns acquire or lose in free agency, Ramsey would be immediately productive for the defense and the Browns are in need of a playmaker across the field from Joe Haden.
Realistically, Ramsey is a player you take and find a way to get him on the field and get a game plan for him to thrive in. He’s a special player and is a good fit no matter where he goes, which makes him perhaps the most coveted player in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Next: No Wentz or Goff?
Although most of the speculation is focused on the quarterback position for the Browns at No. 2, rightfully so, you can’t be naive to think this early the Browns are convinced they’re selecting a quarterback at all in the first round. Carson Wentz and Jared Goff are also in the conversation for the best player of this draft class, however if they Browns pass on the two you have to believe their direction is leading towards best talent or position need.
The team won’t take a wide receiver or running back with their first pick so a defender that can help an already poor defense is a logical choice. A few names spring to mind in Noah Spence and Miles Jack along with Ramsey and all are extremely talented. However with Spence being banned from the Big Ten for failing drug tests and having problems off of the field, Cleveland doesn’t want to bring in any questionable characters with the No. 2 pick.
Jack is an option as well, but similar to the defensive back position we have a number of names at linebacker. The only difference is those names are much more established than the defensive backs currently on the roster.
Paul Kruger, Karlos Dansby, Christian Kirksy, Armonty Bryant and Nate Orchard are decent players with playing experience. Not to mention Craig Robertson possibly will be retained as he hits free agency.
So the biggest hole defensively is that defensive back position, Gipson or not. Joey Bosa is a talented player, but has never played in a 3-4 defense before and would be playing a position he’s never played essentially. He also would be one of the only players in the NFL in a 3-4 defense under 300 pounds and would more than likely be the smallest.
The J.J. Watt comparisons may actually be worthy, but to bank on a rookie to be like J.J. Watt is not realistic and as much as everyone wants the former Ohio State Buckeye, it’s not a great fit.
Next: Mitchell Schwartz to Kansas City after Browns rescind offer
Jalen Ramsey could solidify the cornerback position for the Cleveland Browns and brings an unmatched talent level as a rookie. Set the standards high for Ramsey because he truly deserves it, and Roger Goodell could be saying his name for the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 if they neglect to select a quarterback.