Sorry, San Diego Chargers and Atlanta Falcons fans. Joey Bosa and Deion Jones have had phenomenal rookie years and have very bright futures, but Jalen Ramsey is the best defensive rookie in football, and the immensely talented cornerback should be the pick for the 2016 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Jalen Ramsey Deserves to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Jalen Ramsey with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The selection was met with ample praise and excitement from Jaguars faithful. The pressure was there for Ramsey to play well from day one. Ramsey not only met, but vastly exceeded all preseason expectations with his play this year.
From the moment Jalen Ramsey set foot on an NFL field, it was clear he was a difference maker. Fifteen games into his rookie season, Ramsey has accumulated 63 tackles, 13 pass break-ups, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and a forced fumble. However, as is the story with many lockdown cornerbacks, his impact isn’t defined by his stat line. Ramsey has shadowed opposing number one receivers all season long and he’s been nothing short of astounding. Receivers like Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins and T.Y. Hilton have struggled going one-on-one with Ramsey.
Although the Jaguars have struggled as a team to win ball games in 2016, the defense has great improved, particularly against the pass. A lot of that is due to Ramsey locking down half of the field. In 2015, Jacksonville was 24th and 29th in total yards allowed and passing yards allowed, respectively. The team is fourth and third in those same categories through 15 games this season. That is a true indicator of the impact Ramsey has had in his first season in the NFL.
The Florida State product also has a big personality to back up his top-notch play. His post game rant about Ravens receiver, and 16-year veteran, Steve Smith Sr. being the most notable from his standout rookie campaign. Ramsey is brash, bold and absolutely relentless, something the Jaguars have been lacking for quite some time. Ramsey is a superstar and he knows it. There should be no doubt that he deserves the DROY award.
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