The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Jalen Ramsey with the fifth-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and the star cornerback was shocked by where he ended up. Ramsey was convinced he would not make it past the fourth pick. He says he had a very good reason for being so confident.
During an appearance on the “Pivot Podcast” this week, Ramsey revealed that the Dallas Cowboys told him leading up to the 2016 Draft that he would not fall below their slot, which was No. 4. Ramsey says the Cowboys told him they did not believe he would still be on the board but planned to take him if he was.
“I always grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan, so if I go at No. 4 that’s a real dream come true,” Ramsey said. “I remember when I was on my visit to Dallas, they told me straight up to my face, ‘If you’re there at four, we’re taking you. We don’t think you’re gonna be there at four. If you’re on that board, we’re taking you.'”
Ramsey said the Chargers, who had the third pick, wanted to convert him to safety. While that wasn’t ideal for him, he would have been willing to make the switch if it meant being the first defensive player taken. The Cowboys apparently thought the Chargers wanted Ramsey, but they took Joey Bosa instead.
After meeting with the Cowboys, Ramsey said Jacksonville Jaguars general manager David Caldwell asked him in a meeting if Ramsey believed he would still be on the board at No. 5. Ramsey “respectfully” told Caldwell he did not think he would be. Caldwell agreed and said the Jags might try to trade up for Ramsey.
The Cowboys, of course, drafted Ezekiel Elliott. It’s unclear why they pivoted after supposedly being so convinced they wanted Ramsey. Both Elliott and Ramsey turned into Pro Bowlers, so everything worked out for the most part.
Ramsey wasn’t happy that the Cowboys went back on their word. That’s the reason he once trashed them in an interview.
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