One of the biggest and most outspoken defensive stars in the NFL is granted his wish. Ramsey requested a trade weeks ago, and the Jaguars have finally decided to give in and move their superstar. This article will breakdown the move for both parties, and who ultimately wins the deal.
The Trade Details
Jacksonville Jaguars receive: 2020 1st Round Pick & 2021 1st Round Pick & 2021 Fourth Round Pick
Los Angeles Rams receive: Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback
Reaction, Analysis, and Grade:
Los Angeles Rams: Grade B+
The Rams defense has been torched all year, and they just haven’t been able to stop the passing game. They traded cornerback Marcus Peters earlier today, and just put veteran corner Aqib Talib on IR possibly ending his season. They are clearly in a win now mode, and were willing to pay a heavy price to improve their secondary. Jalen Ramsey is one of the best cornerbacks if not the best in the NFL. Unlike most corners, Ramsey doesn’t play just one side of the field. He will follow and continuously cover the opposing teams best wide receiver. He is great in man to man coverage, and has the athleticism to cover his opposition down field. He is great at jamming the receiver at the line, but has the speed to burst into action closing in on routes. Jalen has great hands, and is always a threat to intercept passes. He is truly a lock down corner that can take the best receiver out of their game any given week. Ramsey is able to function in man to man coverage, but can also be productive in the zone if needed. He isn’t afraid to tackle like most corners, and is willing to do the little things to help his team win. He is one of the best if not the best corner in terms of press coverage. Needless to say, defensive coordinator is getting a big time player to add to the back end of his defense. Ramsey however can be a bit full of himself engaging in trash talk. He brings a ton of attention and pressure onto his team by speaking without a filter. He gave Jacksonville coaches issues when he was complaining about how he was being used. Will the Rams coaches be able to get him to buy into the system? He is so talented, and is only 24 years old but is looking for a new, expensive extension. The Rams already spent a major amount of funds to extend their quarterback Jared Goff. They will have to find a way to make room in their cap space in order to extend Ramsey long term. If they don’t extend him to a new deal this trade seems to be a waste of time. They have to be careful about how they play the negotiations, because Ramsey isn’t afraid to sit out if he isn’t rewarded with a new deal. He is looking to become the highest paid defensive back, and as a two time pro-bowler it is hard to argue with his wants. The Rams have sacrificed their future draft picks in order to address a current need. Ramsey should elevate this defense, and will give them Rams arguably the two best defensive players in the NFL with the other member being Aaron Donald. It is now time for Jalen to back up his talk, and ball out for the Rams as they look to get back on track after three straight losses.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Grade A
The Jaguars knew the bridge was burned, and that Ramsey simply didn’t want to be a Jaguar anymore. They made the best of the situation, and were able to get multiple draft picks and trade him out of their conference. They are losing one of the best corners in the NFL, but have been playing without him for weeks now. A.J. Bouye now becomes their primary corner, and Tre Herndon will take over Ramsey’s role for the rest of the season. Losing Ramsey is a big deal because their pass defense isn’t the same without him. However, in the long term the team will save a ton of money that would have went to Ramsey’s new deal. This also gives them so solid compensation adding multiple draft picks in return. If the Rams continue a downward spiral next years pick could turn out to be a lucrative pickup. Obviously we will have to wait and see what this return will actually become when draft day hits. It is now on the Jaguars to make sure they pick the best players in order to make up for the loss of Ramsey. This move should open up their pocket books to test the free agent market this offseason. They can turn the funds they saved from trading Ramsey into adding more talent in next years free agency. Another bonus of the move is the distraction will be taken away from the team. The Jaguars vs Ramsey struggle had to be a burden for the players and coaching staff. Now they can focus on their future, and just worry about winning football games going forward. The Jaguars gave up a premium talent, but were able to land a large return for this player. I give them a positive grade because this is quite a haul for one player even when they are the caliber of Ramsey.
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