The San Diego Chargers' 2015 season was a ship that sank fast and now the team needs to figure out which leak to plug first. One approach they can take in the NFL Draft would be to build upon an area of the roster that already showed promise, and they should do that by drafting Jalen Ramsey.
The defensive back coming out of Florida State has the talent to be the first overall pick, or even the second for that matter, but it does not appear the draft will play out that way. As if Ramsey's pure athleticism was not enticing enough, he is generating an enormous amount of hype as a cornerback-safety hybrid.
"I want [the Titans] to really feel like I'm the best player in this draft," Ramsey, a Tennessee native, said after Florida State's pro day. "I definitely feel like I am and I feel like I continue to show it throughout my combine, throughout out my pro day, and whatever else they want me to show or need me to show, I'll continue to show it."
Defensive end Joey Bosa was such an early favorite to be the first overall pick, pundits were projecting him there before he even played a snap in his final season at Ohio State. It did not even matter what team would pick first because his immense talent and versatility would fit into any defensive scheme. The Titans may still opt for Bosa, but are more likely to take offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil. If the Cleveland Browns really are locked in on taking a QB second overall, that leaves the Chargers with either Tunsil or Bosa, or Ramsey on the board. They should take Ramsey.
The Chargers are making sure to get a good look at Ramsey, though that can be chalked up to doing their due diligence. Ramsey would be a major contributor on defense right away. Even if he did not start, he has the versatility to play both safety positions, cornerback or nickel back. He is also only 21 years old, so he has plenty of time to improve.
With Jason Verrett and Brandon Flowers at cornerback, Ramsey is a natural fit at safety for the Chargers, who just watched Eric Weddle walk in free agency. The Chargers' pass defense allowed an average of 237 yards per game, which ranked 14th in the NFL.
Ramsey is best when he plays facing the line of scrimmage, but he also has great cover skills. When put together, you have a player that can cover a slot receiver, running back or tight end, but who is also a lethal blitz threat. In that regard, his game resembles Arizona Cardinals defensive back Tyrann Matheiu. Ramsey has that same level of athleticism and versatility, but with about three inches and 20 pounds on Mathieu.
The Chargers need to improve their defense against the run, and Bosa is a good run defender despite the overwhelming praise he gets as a pass rusher. The Chargers are also eyeing defensive end DeForest Buckner with the third overall pick to that end.
San Diego could also trade down and try to get as many picks as possible, using a later first-round selection to take an offensive tackle like Jack Conklin or Taylor Decker. With such a valuable pick, the Chargers will have a hard time messing up their draft, and in this case the best option is to take the "best player."
