Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack's quest for rookie of the year begins now
Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack are both playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and put the team in the relatively unique position to have two top rookie of the year candidates.
A first round cornerback and a second round linebacker are both possible rookie of the year candidates in the NFL and both suit up for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the 2016 NFL season.
Getting both players in the 2016 NFL Draft was an absolute coup by the Jaguars. Ramsey “fell” to fifth overall and Jack tumbled all the way down to the second round where the Jags traded up to secure his services. It was the kind of miraculous situation that can completely change a football team.
These were two players who could have gone first and second overall in a different year. They are that talented.
In looking at the chances of Jack being named defensive rookie of the year, Chase Goodbread writes:
Forget that 19 defensive players were picked ahead of the former UCLA star. Jack figures to be an immediate three-down starter on an improved defense and will have every opportunity to emerge over Jalen Ramsey as the club’s best candidate for the award. Jack’s speed and instincts in pass coverage make him just the kind of new-age three-down linebacker NFL clubs are trending toward. The knee issue that precipitated Jack’s fall in the draft isn’t of short-term concern.
While Jack likely won’t see the field on all three downs to start the season, he will certainly have a major impact on the team’s defense. His presence gives the linebacker corps some much needed athleticism and improves the overall talent of the front-seven, especially on passing downs.
Jack’s versatility and his football knowledge will make him a key component of a defense that needs people to step up. Middle linebacker Paul Posluszny knows he is training in his successor and knows Jack will likely replace him sooner rather than later. When Jack is on the field he will be making plays and each one of those plays will move him one step closer to rookie of the year honors.
Aug 28, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) defends Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) in the second quarter at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
For Jalen Ramsey, being dumped immediately into the fire against Aaron Rodgers will show just how good he could be. He will need to display the versatility and raw talent that made him such a coveted pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Goodbread writes:
Ramsey’s versatility and football intelligence are two assets that will lend themselves to whatever ROY consideration he gathers. He’s experienced at cornerback, nickelback and safety from his days at FSU, and while cornerback is where he is expected to get his first look with the Jaguars, his ability to move around the secondary as needed will help keep him on the field regardless of down-and-distance situations or which defense is called.
With plenty of support in the secondary, Ramsey can be deployed to use his talents in the best ways in any situation. He has shown a willingness to succeed in run support and he has also shown a knack in coverage during the preseason.
Ramsey isn’t expected to be an interception machine like Marcus Peters was as a rookie in 2015, but he can definitely make plays. Whether it’s eliminating an opposing receiver from the game, racking up passes defensed, or even coming up to limit the running game, Ramsey will have every opportunity to succeed.
He’ll have to beat out Jack and other players like Vernon Hargreaves if he hopes to win rookie of the year honors, but he has a real shot to be the top rookie in 2016.
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