Jalen Ramsey didn't hesitate to call himself the best prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft following his pro day workout Tuesday, and NFL Media analyst Charley Casserly didn't hesitate to put Ramsey in strong company, either.
The former Washington Redskins and Houston Texans general manager believes the Florida State defensive back is a better prospect for press man-to-man coverage than the Arizona Cardinals' Patrick Peterson, who was the No. 5 overall selection in the 2011 draft.
"What I see is what's on tape, he's a press corner. He's a zone corner sometimes in cover two," Casserly said. " ... I think he's a better prospect than Patrick Peterson as a press corner coming out of college ... that's a Pro Bowl statement."
Indeed, Peterson has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his five NFL seasons. The Cardinals made Peterson the first cornerback drafted in 2011, and Peterson hasn't missed a regular-season start since. Just three years into his rookie contract, the club signed Peterson to a five-year contract extension worth $70 million.
If Ramsey's potential is beyond that of Peterson, at least in a press corner role, the NFL club that drafts him next month will be thrilled with its return on the investment.
"Some people I've talked to that evaluated him are a little concerned about his hips and ability to play off," Casserly added. "When I watched him at the combine, I thought the hips were fine, the drill work was fine. The little bit we saw there was very impressive to see him in an off-corner position."
Ramseyis projected to be the No. 1 pick of the Tennessee Titans by analysts Charles Davis and Bucky Brooks, while Daniel Jeremiah and Lance Zierlein see him going to the San Diego Chargers at No. 3 overall. If Ramsey is expected to match Peterson's five Pro Bowl selections in his first five seasons, it's no wonder he won't last long in the draft.
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