Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC Defender Cracks Top 15 of Prestigious NFL Draft List

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 3:51 PM ET

The USC Trojans will attempt to launch new fireworks with key starters back on offense. But one defender is garnering his own NFL Draft praise. Including landing on a prestigious list Thursday.

The Athletic rolled out its list of top underclassmen ahead of the 2025 college football season. USC is represented at No. 15 through safety Kamari Ramsey.

How did Ramsey crack this lineup? He's fresh off delivering the following 2024 numbers: 60 total tackles, 5.5 for a loss, six pass breakups, five incompletions, two forced fumbles and one interception.

But The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner dove into why Ramsey lands at 15th overall.

"A fourth-year junior who started his career at UCLA, Ramsey was one of the best coverage safeties in the country last season for the Trojans," Baumgardner shared, who added Ramsey delivered that production through versatility. Bouncing between free safety, box safety and nickel corner.

"Big enough (6-0, 202) and physical enough to be an outside corner, Ramsey has coverage instincts that stack up against any defensive back in the country," Baumgardner included.

While Ramsey is lauded for his ability to bounce between multiple spots, there's an area he can raise his level of play in.

"There is room for improvement here, though — Ramsey’s work against the run leaves plenty to be desired. He missed 15 tackles last season and has to be better in 2025 with his pursuit angles and technique in space," Baumgardner said.

Ramsey will rise on draft boards if he corrects this flaw. Which makes him more of a complete safety. He could follow Jaylin Smith is boosting his own draft stock.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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