NFL Draft: 5 reasons Jalen Ramsey should go No. 1
By John Buhler
4. To mess with Jacksonville’s head
This is a bit of a different way of thinking, but if the Titans decide to not take Ramsey at No. 1, there is absolutely no way that he makes it past No. 5 with the AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars picking there. Jacksonville in recent years have loved to take a collegiate star from the Sunshine State with their top five draft pick.
With Tennessee entering 2016 as by far and away the worst team in the AFC South behind Jacksonville, the Houston Texans, and the Indianapolis Colts, why would they let a player one of their rivals may covet the most slip to them in the draft?
It would be bad news if Ramsey goes on to be a top five corner in the league for Jacksonville for the next decade if Tennessee passes on the potential shutdown corner. It would only be hastened if Tennessee’s No. 1 overall selection doesn’t pan out and Ramsey becomes a star. Twice a year for the next decade, Tennessee will have to live with not taking Ramsey and letting him fall to Jacksonville at No. 5.
While cornerback maybe a pressing need for the Titans defense, it’s even more pressing for the Jaguars. If Tennessee takes Ramsey No. 1, Jacksonville will likely opt to go with Hargreaves or Clemson’s Mackensie Alexander at No. 5. Both of those players have high upside, but entering the 2016 NFL Draft Ramsey is the best cornerback available.
Keep in mind that the quarterback play of the AFC South has improved greatly in the last few years. Andrew Luck stars with the Colts. Blake Bortles is becoming a solid player for Jacksonville. Brock Osweiler signed a massive deal to lead the Texans. It wouldn’t hurt to have a cornerback with the dynamic playmaking ability in the Titans secondary when thinking about competing in the AFC South for the next several years.
Next: 3. Tennessee needs to go with the best player available