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Oakland Raiders: Ranking the top ten safeties in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Austin Gayle

Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Nick Wilson is tackled by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl at Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

With a lot of scouts considering him as the No. 1 overall prospect in this class, former Florida State cornerback/safety Jalen Ramsey is easily the best defensive back in this year’s class. Given his experience both at corner and safety with the Seminoles, Ramsey is a versatile playmaker that can excel in any coverage you throw his way. Ramsey possesses a rare combination of size and athleticism for the position, which as a result, allows him to break on the ball with great closing speed in off coverage and effectively press receivers at the line of scrimmage.

There isn’t much to dislike about Ramsey, but his lack of effort at times shows on his film. Whether it is that he was playing to not get hurt or if he was simply getting lazy, Ramsey’s unwillingness to be a difference-maker against the run and his overall lack of effort in 2015 should have him answering some tough questions in his interviews prior to the draft.

Yes, Ramsey would be the obvious choice for Oakland if he does fall to No. 14, but it will be surprising if he is still on the board after the San Diego Chargers at No. 3. With Oakland still looking to rebuild at other positions later in the draft, general manager Reggie McKenzie will most likely avoid trading up in the draft to bring in Ramsey.

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