The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offense will see quite a few changes this coming season, but their defense should also look different. A major part of that equation is the cornerback position, as a pair of longtime NFL stars are now in the fold.
One of them, Jalen Ramsey, made the cut once again in the NFL’s “Top 100 Players” list. It’s bittersweet, however, as his 66th overall ranking sees him take a 41-spot drop in this year’s peer-voted pool.
Young NFL Cornerbacks Appreciate Jalen Ramsey’s Talent
Despite his slide down the list, Ramsey is still well-respected in the league. Opposing cornerbacks, for example, study his game and attempt to model some of their profiles after him.
Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowler Riq Woolen is one of them.
“Jalen Ramsey, that’s one of my favorite players is Jalen Ramsey,” Woolen said in the NFL’s video for Ramsey. “He can make any play on the field, so that’s why I love his game.”
In the NFL’s story on the Top 100, digital content producer Christian Gonzales provided an NFL Pro insight for Ramsey. Among cornerbacks with 100-plus reps in man coverage last season, his passer rating allowed in coverage (51.0) was third-lowest.
Ramsey’s physicality has long been a calling card of his. Not only does he have the frame for press coverage, but he possesses the mentality for it. That also translates to run defense, which Cooper DeJean of the Philadelphia Eagles pointed out.
“He’s always a guy I’ve loved to watch,” DeJean said. “The way he covers guys, the way he’s able to move his feet at the line of scrimmage and be physical at the line of scrimmage. And he also tackles in the run game which, you know, not a lot of corners like to do.”
It’s clear that Ramsey, set to enter year No. 10 in the NFL, has had a positive impact on the next generation of defensive backs.
Opposing Receiving Threats Still Hold Steelers Star in High Regard
Although Ramsey managed to play in all 17 regular-season games with the Miami Dolphins last year, he saw his Pro Bowl streak snapped at four in a row. He recorded 60 tackles (6 for loss) with 11 passes broken up and a pair of interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, his 76.9 overall grade ranked 17th out of 222 qualified cornerbacks.
The advanced stat praise didn’t stop there. PFF may have had Ramsey 39th in coverage grade at 71.9, but his 85.7 run defense grade was 10th. It was more of the same for one of football’s best. Rival receivers noticed it, too, and believe the Steelers star has plenty left in the tank.
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely has the utmost respect for Ramsey.
“Another O.G.,” Likely said. “I mean, somebody that has the respect due to everything he’s done. “He’s a vet in this game. He knows and has seen it all.”
Ravens wideout Rashod Bateman admits that even if he isn’t at the height of his powers, Ramsey is still a darn good cornerback.
“He’s known for being a shutdown corner in the league, especially in his prime,” Bateman said. “He’s still definitely better than most in the league right now.”
In a young man’s sport, Ramsey is set to turn 31 in October. He’s now on the fourth team of his illustrious career and his third one since 2022. He doesn’t have anything left to prove, as his prime was one of football’s best and he has a championship on his resume. Most players would dream of having a list of accomplishments half as full as his.
Now likely on the back third of his career, Ramsey’s only job is to keep proving his peers right.
Jalen Ramsey Falls in Key Ranking but Still Commands Respect