NFL Roundtable: Does Ramsey make the Rams a Super Bowl contender?

Every week we sit down with BetAmerica Extra columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. This week they weigh in on Tua Tagovailoa's draft stock, Kyler Murray's bright future and Jalen Ramsey's impact on the Rams.

Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss up to two weeks after undergoing surgery to treat a high ankle sprain. Do you expect the injury to affect his draft stock?

Ashley: Joe Burrow is not only creeping into the forefront of the Heisman conversation, but he’s right on the outside looking in on the No. 1 draft pick in 2020. With a (potentially) Tua-less Alabama playing LSU on November 9, I expect Burrow’s stock to rise even higher. He’s looked exceptional, even against tougher competition, and has a quicker release and three extra inches of height on Tagovailoa. Still, the phrase “Tanking for Tua” emerged for a reason. He’ll end up the No. 1 draft pick and have plenty of time to prove himself once he’s back from his ankle injury.

James: No. Tagovailoa is expected back for the LSU game on November 9, and his performance down the stretch carries more importance than a high ankle sprain. Tagovailoa possesses the skill set and intangibles to be the No. 1 pick, despite struggling in a blowout loss to Clemson in last year's title game.

Scott: I definitely would not expect an injury like this to affect his draft stock, unless he continues to show signs of being at less than 100% over the final two months of the season. Tagovailoa is listed by most experts as the No. 1 quarterback on the board and should remain there, even if he misses multiple weeks.

Daniel Jones and Kyler Murray have both experienced their fair share of highs and lows during their rookie campaigns. Who will be the better player in five years?

Ashley: Murray has the higher upside and the potential to transform into a star dual-threat quarterback, if he can stay healthy and get some protection from his offensive line. I see Jones hanging around the Giants a little longer but eventually moving around to find his next starting gig—or settling for a backup role.

James: Give me Kyler Murray, who is in a better position to succeed. Arizona appears to have made the right call hiring Kliff Kingsbury, and is outperforming expectations at 3-3-1. The organization will lean on Murray's talents for years to come. I like Daniel Jones, but I don’t trust the Giants.

Scott: Kyler Murray will be the better player in five years. He may be small, but he has a great arm and his mobility is a huge asset. He is also great at avoiding big hits. The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner may not be an all-star, but I expect him to have a very solid career in the NFL.

Jalen Ramsey looked sharp in his first game with the Rams and shut down Julio Jones. Does his presence make Los Angeles a Super Bowl contender?

Ashley: No. I still put the 49ers and Saints over the Rams in the NFC. The Rams’ bigger concern is the offense, with a seemingly nonexistent run game and a shaky quarterback. Todd Gurley hasn’t broken the 100-yard rushing mark once this season, and the Rams are 23rd in rushing, compared to third in 2018. On top of that Jared Goff has been inconsistent and has thrown almost as many interceptions (seven) as touchdowns (nine) through seven games. This offense is a shadow of last season’s high-powered attack that led them to the Super Bowl.

James: No. Los Angeles saved its season by snapping a three-game losing streak against lowly Atlanta, but the banged-up Rams won’t make the playoffs. With San Francisco, Green Bay, New Orleans and Dallas looking like probable divisional winners, two wildcard berths will be determined between Carolina, Minnesota and Seattle.

Scott: Ramsey is one of the league’s best cornerbacks, but he does not make the Rams a Super Bowl contender. Their offensive line is too much of an issue. In the last couple years, they have been much stronger upfront. Without a great offensive line, Sean McVay’s squad cannot run the ball well enough to beat the NFC’s best teams.

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