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NFL Draft 2016: Should the New York Giants Trade Up To Pick Jalen Ramsey?

By Neal Lynch

Sep 5, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) pumps up the crowd during the first half of the game against the Texas State Bobcats at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jalen Ramsey (8) pumps up the crowd during the first half of the game against the Texas State Bobcats at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants were expected to select a pass rusher, wide receiver, offensive lineman, or running back with the 10th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. But, what if they traded up to get the free safety of their dreams in Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey?

Multiple mock drafts have Big Blue drafting a safety in the second round or later, only because Ramsey will be off the board by the time they’re on the clock in the first round.

Ramsey scored a grade of 6.83 at the scouting combine, which was #1 among cornerbacks and safeties, and he was the top performer in the vertical jump (41 inches) and broad jump (135 inches).

A Director of Football Operations for an NFC team remarked, “Some scouts on the road think he’s overrated and some think he’s the next Richard Sherman. We all agree that he’s going to win the combine and that (Mike) Mayock won’t stop talking about him.”

NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared Ramsey to former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith, who was a free agent target of the Giants before signing with the Oakland Raiders this offseason. Zierlein went on to add:

"“Press ­cover corner with disruptive length to fluster receivers and the makeup speed/leaping ability to stymie downfield attacks. Ramsey made more plays on the ball from the slot last year, but his ability to jam and trail receivers limited playmaking opportunities this year. Ramsey has all-­pro potential and traits, but could use a little more bravado and attitude play in and play out.”"

Scouts have also compared Ramsey to Rod Woodson and Xavier Rhodes. CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler compared Ramsey to The Honey Badger, Arizona Cardindals safety Tyrann Mathieu, adding:

"“If you combined a cornerback and safety into one prospect, the result would look something like Ramsey, who was blessed with the inherent instincts and intuition along with the size/athletic profile to be a difference-maker.”"

Jalen was a 2015 Consensus All-America whose 22 career passes defended are 9th in the ACC since 2005. His other honors include All-ACC First Team (Media & Coaches), AFCA First Team All-American, Walter Camp First Team All-American, ESPN.com First Team All-American, and Second Team All-American (AP, FWAA, Sporting News, CBSSports.com, SI.com, USA Today Sports). Ramsey declared he’s the best player in the draft.

From WalterFootball, who ranked Ramsey as the best safety prospect:

"“Sources with the Titans said that Ramsey is currently the favorite to be their pick at No. 1 overall. They think he could be a Richard Sherman- or Charles Woodson-type defensive back for them.The Nashville product was a star of the Combine interviews. Teams say Ramsey is a great kid and they love him off the field. He also had an excellent combine workout with a fast 40 and a strong showing in the field work. With Ramsey’s character and impressive skill set, some teams are over the moon about him.”"

The fact Jalen’s from Nashville and the Titans have the number one pick AND they love him makes me think a trade is just about out of the question. Plus, the Giants only have six draft picks this year, so, to give up another pick would be a humongous risk, but Big Blue could explore swapping picks and giving Tennessee one of their four running backs. What do you think?

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