Tyler Patmon Likely to Start for Jaguars this Saturday

This past Sunday afternoon, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news that Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey had been suspended for a week by the team for his recent comments about the local media.

#Jaguars All-Pro CB Jalen Ramsey was suspended by the team for a week, sources say, after going after local media for what he believes is unfair treatment of his teammates especially Dante Fowler. He authored several tweets in support of his teammates & disdain for local media.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 12, 2018

The Jaguars will need to fill Ramsey’s starting cornerback position for this Saturday’s preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. According to John Reid, the Jaguars beat writer for the Florida Times-Union, former Oklahoma State cornerback Tyler Patmon is the likely option to replace Ramsey on the first team.

“With the Jaguars issuing Jalen Ramsey a one week suspension on Sunday, backup cornerback Tyler Patmon is likely to benefit from his absence.  Patmon is expected to get most of the snaps at the No. 1 cornerback spot on the opposite side of corner A.J. Bouye when the Jaguars begin two days of joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings starting on Wednesday in advance of their Week 2 preseason game on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.” [The Florida Times-Union]

When Ramsey missed several days at the beginning of training camp, Patmon was given a majority of the first team reps. He’s performed very well in camp to this point and he recorded two tackles in the Jaguars preseason opener against the Saints last Thursday, including the sack shown in the clip below.

#Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash said this week he wants to see his nickel cornerbacks blitz effectively. Here's Tyler Patmon, who said after the game that he's had to work hard to improve in that area, getting one of the team's three sacks last night. pic.twitter.com/7Z7zlV4KOF

— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) August 10, 2018

In addition, he had the highest defensive grade of any Jaguars’ player according to Pro Football Focus.

#Jaguars cornerback Tyler Patmon’s defensive grade of 85.3 against the Saints was the highest mark by a Jaguars player Thursday. Click this link to see how other Jaguars players graded out: https://t.co/gnaIhIC0Na

— PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) August 11, 2018

Patmon has worked at both outside cornerback and in the nickel position and seems ready to assume a starting role this weekend. The fifth-year pro played 13 games for the Jaguars last season and recorded four total tackles.

“I just want the coaches to trust me and know if my number is called, I’m going to be ready,” Patmon said.

Whether he starts or not, Patmon will definitely see his reps increased against the Vikings on Saturday and I have a feeling he’s going to open some eyes in the Jaguars’ fan base, if he hasn’t already.