8. Jalen Ramsey: So far, the offense has dominated this list. It’s about time the other side of the ball got its proper respect. He was the sought-out prospect in college coming out of Florida State. He became the first true freshman to start for the Seminoles since a man named Deion Sanders in 1985. Deion has a gold jacket and a bust in Canton. This next player I’m about to talk about became a star in Jacksonville, he gets traded in 2019 to the Los Angeles Rams and it’s been the perfect combination for a city and player. Jalen Ramsey makes his return to the list. He locks down the eighth spot and also checks in as my second-best defensive player and top corner in the NFL entering the 2021 season.
I could discuss him all day if I wanted to. There aren’t many cornerbacks like Jalen. I’m talking about the ones who are that quick and as tall as he is. At 6’1, his length is just another arsenal to his game because he uses it and long arms as shields. Physicality is one thing. Jalen has no issues with making a hit if you’re in his vicinity. He’s what I refer to as a read and react corner. This is the one guy who can sit back in zone coverage, then close in on the football to make his play. At one time, Jalen was once a safety that transitioned to the corner, so I see him play with the mentality of a ballhawk. Wherever the ball is, number 20 is there. Whether he’s deflecting a pass or covering a receiver, he has that nose for the football. Jalen also has no problem with running his mouth After a play is made, he will let you know about it. Even if you think you beat him at the line, the play isn’t over with him. Always have a plan b when facing him.
His stats against some star wide receivers were amazing. He held Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper to 57 yards receiving, Stefon Diggs was held to a single catch and 4 yards receiving, Washington’s Terry McLaurin was held to zero catches, Jalen held Allen Robinson to a single catch and 42 yards, Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans was held in check to 40 yards receiving and in the Rams two games against the Arizona Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins had 48 combined yards when defended by Jalen Ramsey. Against the Seahawks, he locked down D.K. Metcalf completely. Four combined catches in three games and 44 yards. Every receiver I listed is the number one option on their team. Jalen shut them all down. I was so happy the Rams locked him up to a contract extension last year before the 2020 season started.
