Earlier this offseason, All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey was live on his personal Instagram account and said something that really drew the attention of Chargers fans. Ramsey told his viewers that he and Derwin James would play on the same team again.
At the time of the comment, it appeared to just be something in the back of his mind and nothing too serious. But there’s a possibility that it actually could be a reality soon because Ramsey wants out of Jacksonville.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Ramsey has requested a trade from the Jaguars.
James heard about the news and was quick to comment on Bleacher Report’s Instagram post with the thunder bolts, signifying that he wants Ramsey to be on the same team as him, just like the good ol’ days at Florida State University.
Knowing how conservative general manager Tom Telesco is, it’s likely a pipe dream to trade for Ramsey. But considering that he is aware of how thin the cornerback position is after injuries have hampered Trevor Williams and Michael Davis, this is an enticing idea that could be floating in his head.
While the thought is intriguing, there’s always a price to pay. For Jacksonville, they’re currently seeking at least one first-round draft pick in exchange for Ramsey.
The Chargers would likely have to give up a first and then some, but the former Seminole is more than worth sacrificing those and gives the team more immediate and long-term value when factoring in his age (24) and talent.
Then you get into Ramsey’s scheme preference. He now wants to play man-to-man coverage, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s scheme has his corners playing in zone.
But Bradley’s scheme also has the No. 1 cornerback playing man. At the moment, it’s Casey Hayward that plays close to the line of scrimmage, but that could change if Ramsey were to be brought in, meeting his needs. Or, knowing he’d be playing for a playoff contender could change his tune.
Not to mention, there is some familiarity, as Bradley was Ramsey’s head coach when Jacksonville selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
The bottom line is that even though this appears to be one of those dream scenarios, the Chargers would seriously be wise to add Ramsey to help give a huge boost to a defense that’s lacking firepower.
