Jalen Ramsey has quickly become one of the game’s best corners.
Week 3 was defined by political protests and a reminder about NFL parity, but our job every week is to focus on some unconventional “winners” who benefited — either directly or indirectly — from the events this past weekend.
I’m listing my own, but please write in with yours as well. Last week, you all mentioned some under-the-radar stars like Tyus Bowser which helped bring attention to their nice weeks. Let’s all do the same again to help people get a better feel for the entire league.
CB Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville
This one is a stretch, only because Jalen Ramsey wasn’t exactly “overlooked.” His stellar play is getting a fair share of national recognition. However, I don’t think we can under-estimate how damn good he’s been so far in 2017.
Year 2 for Ramsey was supposed to be his coronation as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. He’s jumped past that. You can legitimately argue about whether or not he’s THE top cornerback in the NFL. In fact, if the Jags continue to play this well on D, you can legitimately argue about whether he’s the Defensive Player of the Year. I’m skeptical that Blake Bortles and Jacksonville will keep this start up, but Ramsey is the definition of the “real deal.”
Marshal Yanda and offensive guards everywhere
Sometimes, it’s difficult to evaluate the play of interior linemen until they’re not there. The 6 time Pro Bowler is already recognized as one of the best linemen in the game, but his Hall of Fame chances may have inadvertently been helped by the fact that the Baltimore Ravens offense completely flopped without him, mustering up less than 200 yards.
In general, the last few years for the NFL have illustrated the impact of offensive guards — a position often overlooked in general. The Cowboys line took a major step up with Zack Martin. The Raiders line took a major step up with Kelechi Osemele. Conversely, the Bengals and Ravens have struggled this year without their Pro Bowl guards Kevin Zeitler and Yanda. If there’s any lingering doubt about the value of the position, we’re finding our answer.
Pat Shurmur, OC, Minnesota
Best known as the failed head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2011-2012, Pat Shurmur is finding success in his second act in Minnesota. He was promoted to OC in midseason last year and has carried over that success to 2017 so far.
Specifically, he’s helped some manage his QBs. Sam Bradford passed for an NFL-record completion percentage last year. With Bradford hurt, all hope seemed lost. But fear not, my friends, because Case Keenum stepped right into that role and lit it up for 25/33 passing, 369 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
The Minnesota offense is rolling right now, with two good receivers and a resurgent running game. Shurmur has been well off the grid in terms of head coaching prospects, but his chances of a second chance are starting to flicker back to life.
RB Wendell Smallwood, Philadelphia
The Eagles suffered a tough blow when RB Darren Sproles went down for the season, but it presents a huge opportunity for rotational back Wendell Smallwood.
Smallwood still split work with LeGarrette Blount this weekendpost-Sproless (and the Eagles may mix in Corey Clement as well), but I would advise them to give Smallwood a chance to take the job and run with it. Blount is one-dimensional and predictable, whereas Smallwood can offer more versatility. If the Eagles want a true three-down back, he’s their best bet. At least, until local Penn State RB Saquon Barkley declares.
DB Jamal Adams, N.Y. Jets
Rookie Jamal Adams received a lot of hype during the draft process, but being selected by the moribund New York Jets almost assured that he’d been lost in the shuffle of 2017 storylines.
The Jets got that elusive win this week, which is a good time to praise Adams. The safety was expected to step right in and excel in both facets, and he’s doing exactly that, with solid coverage and even a sack this week. Like Jalen Ramsey, we can’t discount his chances of high honors this year simply because of his age. Adams may have a legitimate Pro Bowl case by the time the season’s over.
