Why the Cowboys may not be high on Jalen Ramsey

Although it seems clear as to why the Dallas Cowboys should be high on Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey, there’s two reasons why they might feel hesitant to draft him fourth overall.

Many consider Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey to be the best overall athlete in this draft class. Described as the perfect combination of a cornerback, safety and linebacker; it’s no wonder the Dallas Cowboys are predicted by many to select Ramsey fourth overall when the NFL Draft kicks off next week.

With the two top quarterbacks likely being taken with the top two selections in the draft, the Cowboys chances of landing Ramsey at four are better than ever. What Dallas desperately needs a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball that can create turnovers.

There is little doubt Ramsey can be an impact player on defense. But there are some lingering questions about his ability to create takeaways. Specifically interceptions, which is a defining trait for every successful NFL cornerback.

"“I think these two stats are puzzling NFL people who want to love Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey.” wrote longtime NFL writer Peter King during his weekly column for the MMQB.com Monday. “[1] Ramsey had no interceptions or forced fumbles in his last 17 collegiate games. [2] Ramsey had two interceptions in his last 40 college games. For those who say, well, offenses weren’t throwing at him, no. (Pro Football Focus had Ramsey with zero picks in 66 balls thrown at him in 2015 at FSU.) He dropped several catchable balls last season, and his hands are not his strong suit.”"

The Cowboys were the absolute worst team in the NFL last season when it came to creating turnovers. Recording only 11 total takeaways in 2015, Dallas needs playmakers on defense. And there’s doubt about Ramsey’s ability to do so.

Another reason the Cowboys may be hesitant to draft Ramsey fourth overall is the fact that he is likely better suited to play safety in the NFL. Although the talented defensive back is certainly considered by many to be the top defender in this draft class, the fact his best position on the field is not one that is normally drafted this high could give Dallas pause as well.

The Cowboys will likely want to play Ramsey at corner and move last year’s top pick, Connecticut’s Byron Jones, to free safety. Dallas would be doing the rookie a disservice by playing him out of position, although his tremendous athletic ability will likely allow him to find some success. But adding a cornerback with possible stone hands with the fourth overall pick doesn’t sound all that appealing.

You could always play Ramsey and Jones together at safety, but there would still be a huge void to fill at cornerback. But one of our own writers believes he has a better solution.

Recently, veteran Landry Hat senior writer Brad Austin went so far as to say that Dallas spending a top five pick on a non-elite corner like Ramsey would be an irresponsible waste of the Cowboys highest draft position in 25 years. And he thinks Dallas should wait until the second round to address the cornerback position. You can read his excellent and detail explanation as to why be clicking here.

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