What the Jalen Ramsey Trade Means for the Rams and the NFC

How:

In order to make room for the blockbuster move the Los Angeles Rams were about to pull off, they first shipped CB Marcus Peters to Baltimore just hours beforehand. The Rams then traded two first-round picks in ’20 and ’21, plus a fourth-rounder to acquire one of the better, most physically gifted defensive backs in the league, Jalen Ramsey. The 24-year-old corner had been unhappy in Jacksonville after a spate with head coach Doug Marrone, as well as with the way he was being used schematically. Now, for a guy that idolizes “Primetime” Deion Sanders, there’s no better place to play than Los Angeles.

Why:

Is Jalen Ramsey really the best corner in football? Over the past year and some change, no, according to Pro Football Focus. However, there is no questioning the man’s physical ability. Ramsey fits the mold of your prototypical cornerback: big enough to match up with the more physical receivers – the DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones’s – while also having the speed and agility to cover smaller, quicker receivers of the league. He’s the complete package and can pretty much do it all, including bringing the heat verbally. The trash-talking DB has a mouthguard, he just doesn’t use it; it’s often dangling around even during play as Ramsey constantly tries to get into the head of his opponents.

Though few could ever match the “Island” is his prime, Ramsey’s ability to rotate his hips and burst in and out of cuts is reminiscent of a young Darrelle Revis. That has allowed Ramsey to put on some outstanding performances against the game’s best receivers, including Tyreek Hill and the aforementioned Hopkins. In fact, Ramsey was actually able to keep up with Hill in some instances, which is absurd considering Hill runs a 4.25 “40” – oh, and his nickname is “The Cheetah”. Hill finished with four receptions for 61 yards, a modest stat line for him.

What:

So, add him to an already talented Rams defense that has been struggling in coverage as of late, and what do you get? Well, there’s no doubt Ramsey is an upgrade over any of the DB’s the Rams have, and the timing could not be better. Aqib Talib was just placed on IR and will miss significant time. LB Clay Matthews had his jaw wired shut and will miss 4-6 weeks. It gets worse. Safety John Johnson III, a huge contributor in coverage and run support, will be out for an “extended period” according to Sean McVay. Combined with the departure of Marcus Peters, the Rams will have an entirely new look on defense.

That means Ramsey takes over the #1 duties and will playing largely on the left side of the defense. With Johnson III out, Marqui Christian and Taylor Rapp will see increased roles, while Eric Weddle will be the only remaining starter from the preseason. Even Weddle, who’s had an excellent career, has been struggling in recent years particularly in deep coverage situations. Acquiring Ramsey does allow for the Rams to be somewhat comfortable with the left side of their secondary. CB Troy Hill in his 4th-year will start opposite Ramsey. Hill is still unproven outside of playing in the slot position. This could lead offenses to simply shy away from Ramsey, and target the holes where he is not present. The good news is Ramsey is versatile enough to be moved around the defense, including the slot, if defensive coordinator Wade Phillips chooses to go that route.

Ultimately, Jalen Ramsey gives the Rams new life and new hope. They have enough issues with Todd Gurley’s health, and Jared Goff’s turnovers, the play of the offensive line, etc… This plugs up a major hole for the foreseeable future, and gives them a chance to contend again this year. Plus, no one in the NFC West is happy to see them add a piece like Ramsey. Though, they may be happy with the hefty price the Rams had to pay to acquire him.