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http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/in...t-rookies-landed-perfect-homes-nfl-draft-2016
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey has the versatility to play multiple positions in the defensive secondary. The size? He's got it. The speed? It's a 4.4. The athleticism? Off the charts. But in coach Gus Bradley's scheme, the No. 5 overall pick is really a perfect fit to play that cornerback spot, where he can use his length to control the release and patrol the deep third in the Jags' defense.
The smart teams in this league draft prospects that fit the scheme. Cater to the player and maximize the skill set. It leads to quicker development and more production from rookies when they play in a system that meshes their ability. Along with Ramsey, here are nine more rookies who are perfect matches for their new offensive and defensive schemes in the NFL.
Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ramsey is the Jaguars' version of Richard Sherman -- that long corner with press skills to challenge the release and play the deep outside zone in Cover 3. It's a perfect match for Ramsey's size, skill set and straight-line speed. Here, he can jam and funnel receivers inside to his safety help, while using that length to make plays on the ball. And Ramsey is going to hit too. That's key when the Jags roll him down as a flat defender in two-deep coverage. Drop the pads in the run game or lie in the weeds to use that sudden, quick-reaction burst to drive on the ball. Yes, the Jags can eventually use Ramsey as a creative piece in the game plan. But while the former Florida State star continues to develop his overall game, he can produce in a system that is a prime fit for his talent.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Elliott running behind that Cowboys offensive line? That's nasty. The Ohio State product is the most complete back in the 2016 class, with the acceleration, lateral quickness and versatility to make an impact on all three downs. Elliott can push the ball between the tackles, bounce the rock outside and make plays in the passing game. Whether it's zone or power schemes, Elliott is a fit for the Cowboys' base and nickel runs because of his vision and ability to produce after contact. With his pro frame (6-foot, 225 pounds) and running style, the Cowboys have their No. 1 back. The scheme is perfect to feature Elliott and bring balance to an offense that is going to reload in 2016 with a healthy Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Watch out.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Buffalo Bills
In Rex Ryan's 3-4 front, Ragland is the big boy at the second-level, that linebacker with downhill power to eat up the run game: Stack and shed, fill the hole and put the running back on the ground. This guy is a tackling machine. But don't peg Ragland as just a base defender who has to come off the field on third downs. He has enough juice in his legs to drop in zone coverage, close on the ball and be used as a matchup weapon in the blitz packages. Ragland versus a running back in protection? I'm taking the linebacker in that one -- and broken chinstraps. This is an immediate upgrade for Ryan's defense, an ideal fit for the 3-4 scheme and an absolute steal for the Bills in the second-round. It was a smart move to trade up with Ragland still on the board.
Paxton Lynch, QB, Denver Broncos
Lynch is going to need some time. We all know that. But when looking at his skill set, arm strength and movement ability, he projects as a really good fit for Gary Kubiak's offense. (Plus, Lynch is massive at 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds.) Think of Lynch slinging the ball in the dropback passing game or getting to the edge of the pocket in Kubiak's boot schemes. With that size and athletic ability, Lynch can eventually grow into a dropback passer who can also get outside of the wash to create throwing lanes on the move. For now, think development with Lynch. But in the future, he's the guy for Kubiak.
DeForest Buckner, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Bucker has the ideal measurables for the 3-4 defensive end position due to his size (6-foot-7, 291 pounds), length (34 3/8-inch arms), and baseball-mitt-sized hands (11 ¾ inches). Those are freakish numbers. But Buckner also has the tape to back it up. This guy is a beast at the point of attack, and he immediately upgrades a defense that ranked 29th overall in defending the run last season. Buckner isn't a finished product as a pass rusher, but the skill set is there to develop as a versatile piece in the 49ers' nickel package while bringing much needed physicality to the unit. Big, strong and tough. That sells in a scheme that fits his talent.
Sheldon Rankins, DT, New Orleans Saints
With his lightning-quick burst off the ball and violent hands on contact, Rankins is the perfect match for the Saints at the defensive tackle position. He's that disruptive force in the middle of the 4-3 front who can penetrate the line of scrimmage. And he also has the ability to bump down to play nose tackle. There is some versatility here for the Saints to play with. Back at the Senior Bowl workouts, Rankins put on an absolute clinic during one-on-one pass rush drills. He was a star on the field in Mobile, Alabama, with his explosive first step and technique at the point of attack. That's an upgrade to a Saints defense that needed to add more pass-rushers on the defensive line to pair with Cameron Jordan.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
The Giants want to lean on their three-WR personnel under Ben McAdoo, and Shepard can jump right into the mix this season with his electric route-running ability. I see Shepard as a dynamic weapon for Eli Manningworking out of the slot. Think of the speed up the seam and the lateral movement at the top of the option routes inside of the numbers. Anywhere from third-and-2 to third-and-6? That's where you feed the ball to Shepard. But don't forget that the rookie from Oklahoma can also make plays outside of the numbers. With Rueben Randle leaving via free agency and Victor Cruz's uncertain injury status, Shepard could emerge as the No. 2 option opposite Odell Beckham Jr. this season in a system that will maximize his ability.
Keanu Neal, SS, Atlanta Falcons
To play Cover 3 as a core scheme, the Falcons needed to land an enforcer in the secondary -- a safety in the mold of Kam Chancellor who can bring the hammer in the run front and close on the ball as an underneath defender in zone coverage. That's Neal. He's the Falcons' thumper as the eighth defender in the box. At 6-foot and 211 pounds, Neal has enough size to get dirty versus the run game, and his high-level football IQ allows him to play much faster than his stopwatch speed in the low 4.6 range. Sink, read the quarterback and drive on the ball. Then deliver a blow to finish. This strong safety is a key part of Atlanta's defensive scheme, which coach Dan Quinn incorporated after time in Seattle. And Neal fits the style of football the Falcons are trying to play.
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
The versatility that 5-foot-10, 225-pound Dixon brings to the league is a solid fit for Marc Trestman's system in Baltimore, where the running back is utilized in both the run and pass game. At the Senior Bowl, Dixon stole the show on the offensive side of the ball due to his ability to run with power and burst through the hole and separate from linebackers in the underneath route tree. With Trestman, the Louisiana Tech product can be featured in the screen game or removed from the backfield to find the ideal matchup as a receiver. He's a developed route runner with the downhill running style that sells in the pros. Dixon will get a legit chance to compete for offensive touches from Day 1.
Jonathan Bullard, DE, Chicago Bears
The Bears scooped up tremendous value with Bullard in the third round, as he fits nicely within Vic Fangio's defense. Look for Bullard to lock down the defensive end spot in the Bears' base 3-4 and then kick inside to rush the passer when they switch to nickel. He's versatile, quick off the ball and strong versus the run, and he plays hard. Bullard will continue to develop as an interior pass-rusher under Fangio's coaching. Chicago went into the offseason wanting to get faster and more physical up front, and the addition of Bullard will help them get there.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie cornerback Jalen Ramsey has the versatility to play multiple positions in the defensive secondary. The size? He's got it. The speed? It's a 4.4. The athleticism? Off the charts. But in coach Gus Bradley's scheme, the No. 5 overall pick is really a perfect fit to play that cornerback spot, where he can use his length to control the release and patrol the deep third in the Jags' defense.
The smart teams in this league draft prospects that fit the scheme. Cater to the player and maximize the skill set. It leads to quicker development and more production from rookies when they play in a system that meshes their ability. Along with Ramsey, here are nine more rookies who are perfect matches for their new offensive and defensive schemes in the NFL.
Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Ramsey is the Jaguars' version of Richard Sherman -- that long corner with press skills to challenge the release and play the deep outside zone in Cover 3. It's a perfect match for Ramsey's size, skill set and straight-line speed. Here, he can jam and funnel receivers inside to his safety help, while using that length to make plays on the ball. And Ramsey is going to hit too. That's key when the Jags roll him down as a flat defender in two-deep coverage. Drop the pads in the run game or lie in the weeds to use that sudden, quick-reaction burst to drive on the ball. Yes, the Jags can eventually use Ramsey as a creative piece in the game plan. But while the former Florida State star continues to develop his overall game, he can produce in a system that is a prime fit for his talent.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Elliott running behind that Cowboys offensive line? That's nasty. The Ohio State product is the most complete back in the 2016 class, with the acceleration, lateral quickness and versatility to make an impact on all three downs. Elliott can push the ball between the tackles, bounce the rock outside and make plays in the passing game. Whether it's zone or power schemes, Elliott is a fit for the Cowboys' base and nickel runs because of his vision and ability to produce after contact. With his pro frame (6-foot, 225 pounds) and running style, the Cowboys have their No. 1 back. The scheme is perfect to feature Elliott and bring balance to an offense that is going to reload in 2016 with a healthy Tony Romo and Dez Bryant. Watch out.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Buffalo Bills
In Rex Ryan's 3-4 front, Ragland is the big boy at the second-level, that linebacker with downhill power to eat up the run game: Stack and shed, fill the hole and put the running back on the ground. This guy is a tackling machine. But don't peg Ragland as just a base defender who has to come off the field on third downs. He has enough juice in his legs to drop in zone coverage, close on the ball and be used as a matchup weapon in the blitz packages. Ragland versus a running back in protection? I'm taking the linebacker in that one -- and broken chinstraps. This is an immediate upgrade for Ryan's defense, an ideal fit for the 3-4 scheme and an absolute steal for the Bills in the second-round. It was a smart move to trade up with Ragland still on the board.
Paxton Lynch, QB, Denver Broncos
Lynch is going to need some time. We all know that. But when looking at his skill set, arm strength and movement ability, he projects as a really good fit for Gary Kubiak's offense. (Plus, Lynch is massive at 6-foot-7 and 244 pounds.) Think of Lynch slinging the ball in the dropback passing game or getting to the edge of the pocket in Kubiak's boot schemes. With that size and athletic ability, Lynch can eventually grow into a dropback passer who can also get outside of the wash to create throwing lanes on the move. For now, think development with Lynch. But in the future, he's the guy for Kubiak.
DeForest Buckner, DE, San Francisco 49ers
Bucker has the ideal measurables for the 3-4 defensive end position due to his size (6-foot-7, 291 pounds), length (34 3/8-inch arms), and baseball-mitt-sized hands (11 ¾ inches). Those are freakish numbers. But Buckner also has the tape to back it up. This guy is a beast at the point of attack, and he immediately upgrades a defense that ranked 29th overall in defending the run last season. Buckner isn't a finished product as a pass rusher, but the skill set is there to develop as a versatile piece in the 49ers' nickel package while bringing much needed physicality to the unit. Big, strong and tough. That sells in a scheme that fits his talent.
Sheldon Rankins, DT, New Orleans Saints
With his lightning-quick burst off the ball and violent hands on contact, Rankins is the perfect match for the Saints at the defensive tackle position. He's that disruptive force in the middle of the 4-3 front who can penetrate the line of scrimmage. And he also has the ability to bump down to play nose tackle. There is some versatility here for the Saints to play with. Back at the Senior Bowl workouts, Rankins put on an absolute clinic during one-on-one pass rush drills. He was a star on the field in Mobile, Alabama, with his explosive first step and technique at the point of attack. That's an upgrade to a Saints defense that needed to add more pass-rushers on the defensive line to pair with Cameron Jordan.
Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
The Giants want to lean on their three-WR personnel under Ben McAdoo, and Shepard can jump right into the mix this season with his electric route-running ability. I see Shepard as a dynamic weapon for Eli Manningworking out of the slot. Think of the speed up the seam and the lateral movement at the top of the option routes inside of the numbers. Anywhere from third-and-2 to third-and-6? That's where you feed the ball to Shepard. But don't forget that the rookie from Oklahoma can also make plays outside of the numbers. With Rueben Randle leaving via free agency and Victor Cruz's uncertain injury status, Shepard could emerge as the No. 2 option opposite Odell Beckham Jr. this season in a system that will maximize his ability.
Keanu Neal, SS, Atlanta Falcons
To play Cover 3 as a core scheme, the Falcons needed to land an enforcer in the secondary -- a safety in the mold of Kam Chancellor who can bring the hammer in the run front and close on the ball as an underneath defender in zone coverage. That's Neal. He's the Falcons' thumper as the eighth defender in the box. At 6-foot and 211 pounds, Neal has enough size to get dirty versus the run game, and his high-level football IQ allows him to play much faster than his stopwatch speed in the low 4.6 range. Sink, read the quarterback and drive on the ball. Then deliver a blow to finish. This strong safety is a key part of Atlanta's defensive scheme, which coach Dan Quinn incorporated after time in Seattle. And Neal fits the style of football the Falcons are trying to play.
Kenneth Dixon, RB, Baltimore Ravens
The versatility that 5-foot-10, 225-pound Dixon brings to the league is a solid fit for Marc Trestman's system in Baltimore, where the running back is utilized in both the run and pass game. At the Senior Bowl, Dixon stole the show on the offensive side of the ball due to his ability to run with power and burst through the hole and separate from linebackers in the underneath route tree. With Trestman, the Louisiana Tech product can be featured in the screen game or removed from the backfield to find the ideal matchup as a receiver. He's a developed route runner with the downhill running style that sells in the pros. Dixon will get a legit chance to compete for offensive touches from Day 1.
Jonathan Bullard, DE, Chicago Bears
The Bears scooped up tremendous value with Bullard in the third round, as he fits nicely within Vic Fangio's defense. Look for Bullard to lock down the defensive end spot in the Bears' base 3-4 and then kick inside to rush the passer when they switch to nickel. He's versatile, quick off the ball and strong versus the run, and he plays hard. Bullard will continue to develop as an interior pass-rusher under Fangio's coaching. Chicago went into the offseason wanting to get faster and more physical up front, and the addition of Bullard will help them get there.
