Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s elite cornerbacks. His consistent performance has earned him accolades throughout his career. However, the 2023 season proved challenging for Ramsey, marked by injuries and a dip in productivity.
Ramsey’s 2023 season was cut short due to injuries, limiting him to only ten games. This resulted in one of the least statistically impressive seasons of his career, a noticeable decline from his usual high standards. The Miami Dolphins acquired Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason, hoping he would be the final piece to elevate their defense. The trade involved a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Ramsey received a 66.4 overall defensive grade in 2023, the lowest of his career. This significantly contrasts his previous low of 71.5 in 2019, split between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams. His coverage grade of 66.3 also marked a career low, suggesting that injuries and adapting to a new defensive scheme impacted his performance.
However, CBS Sports analyst Jared Dubin argues that the Dolphins didn’t utilize Ramsey effectively. Dubin contends that limiting Ramsey to playing primarily at left cornerback didn’t capitalize on his versatile skill set.
Despite Ramsey’s struggles in 2023, Dubin ranks him as the No. 3 cornerback in the NFL heading into the 2024 season. Dubin believes Ramsey’s potential will be unlocked under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, who joined the Dolphins from the Baltimore Ravens. Weaver’s defensive philosophy, emphasizing versatility and strategic player deployment, is expected to maximize Ramsey’s strengths.
“Ramsey wasn’t used the right way last season…Playing almost exclusively at left corner is not the best way to utilize his vast skill set,” Dubin wrote. “We’ve seen in the past that moving around, playing in the slot, shadowing No. 1s, and just generally being in position to blow things up is the way to go.”
The Miami Dolphins boast a potent offense, considered among the most explosive in the league. However, to contend in the highly competitive AFC and challenge for a Super Bowl, their defense needs to improve significantly.
Jalen Ramsey’s performance will be crucial to the Dolphins’ defensive success. With their pass rush hampered by injuries, the secondary will need to step up. Weaver’s new defensive scheme, drawing from his experience with the Baltimore Ravens, should provide Ramsey with more opportunities to excel in 2024. This strategic shift is anticipated to allow Ramsey to showcase his peak performance and contribute significantly to the Dolphins’ defensive efforts.
