Jalen Ramsey: Is he the next Patrick Peterson?

VERDICT — 

Toss-up:

Alright, this may be a cop-out, but in terms of the better prospect, this one is too close to call. Both Ramsey and Peterson are some of the most impressive athletic specimens to ever play defensive back with the film to back it up.

Peterson has the nod over Ramsey in playmaking regards, with four more interceptions and a litany more return experience coming out of college. Ramsey, on the other hand, is much more physical and brash than Peterson was at this point in his career with 20.5 combined sacks and tackles for a loss compared to just three from the former LSU standout.

As far as draft position goes, Ramsey has a chance to top even Peterson’s Top 5 status of five years ago. Peterson went No. 5 to the Arizona Cardinals in 2011 behind four future first team All-Pros in Cam Newton, Von Miller, Marcell Dareus and A.J. Green. But that’s not a knock against Peterson, who was considered one of the best prospects of the decade, rather a testament how impressive that 2011 draft class was.

Ramsey’s in a position to top that, though.

Defensive backs haven’t been a position drafted high historically, but the lack of other top-end options in the 2016 draft may vault Ramsey higher than any defensive back since UCLA’s Eric Turner — the No. 2 pick in the 1991 draft.

The Tennessee Titans currently hold the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft and they’ve got enough holes to go in almost any direction with their pick. Along with Ramsey, Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Ohio State defensive lineman Joey Bosa are in the conversation for the pick if the Titans hold on to their selection.

It’s not just a matter of flawed players around him making Ramsey stand out though. Ramsey is now in the conversation for one of the best defensive back prospects of his era.