The Dallas Cowboys’ secondary was not a happy place in 2025. After watching the defense struggle immensely last year, the front office finally opened its checkbook a little bit by signing free agents Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke. They join a room that still features the veteran presence of Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell. While the added free agent depth is helpful, there is still a huge opening for a young, playmaking safety to join the rotation. While the veterans provide the floor, the Cowboys need
a high-upside prospect who can grow under this new regime. Enter a player who spent his college years navigating the Los Angeles traffic and the toughest offenses in the Big Ten.
S, Kamari Ramsey, USC
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 202 pounds | Speed: 4.47 forty time
Background
Ramsey did not take the traditional route to stardom, opting to stay in Southern California for his entire college career. He started out as a bright spot for the UCLA Bruins, where he quickly proved that he belonged on the big stage. Seeking a change of scenery without actually having to pack a moving truck, he hopped over to USC to follow his defensive coordinator. His sophomore year was a legitimate breakout season, where he racked up 60 tackles and showed off his range. Just when he was starting to look like a legit star, a frustrating knee injury cut his junior campaign short after only nine games. Despite the medical red flag, his tape remains loud enough to wake up the neighbors, proving he is a high-level talent when he is on the field.
Strengths
When you watch Ramsey, you see a player who clearly does his homework. He has an incredible set of eyes that allows him to read the quarterback like a large print book. His anticipation is top-tier, often starting his break on the ball before the receivers do. He is remarkably aggressive when contesting passes, treating every airborne football like an opportunity for a bang/bang play. He does not just wait for the ball to be caught. He triggers downhill with a sense of urgency where opposing wideouts can hear his footsteps.
His intelligence is his best trait, allowing him to orchestrate the entire secondary and get teammates lined up correctly. He offers the kind of versatility that coaches dream about, showing the ability to play as a deep center fielder, a box safety, or even a nickel defender. Whether he is dropping into a deep zone or sniffing out a screen pass, his processing speed is consistently ahead of the curve, making him a versatile fixture within the defense.
Weaknesses
Ramsey has a few bugs in the software. He plays with a somewhat upright style that can make his change of direction look a bit rigid when he has to flip his hips in a hurry. His initial acceleration is more of a slow burn than a lightning strike, which can lead to him playing catch-up against the truly elite burners of the NFL. There were also occasional lapses where he seemed to lose his assignment in complex coverage looks, though these were rare. The biggest cloud hanging over him is the durability concern following his knee injury, as teams will want to be sure his frame can handle the Sunday grind.
The Fit
He fits nicely into what Christian Parker is trying to build as the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator prizes defenders who can think fast and move faster. The Cowboys are moving toward a more disguised, multiple look defense that requires safeties to wear many hats. Ramsey has the length and the mental makeup to handle the hybrid roles Parker utilized so well in his previous stops. His ability to communicate and play multiple spots would allow the Cowboys to stay in their base personnel more often without sacrificing coverage ability.
The Final Word
Most draft experts see Ramsey coming off the board early in the third round. The Cowboys have a third-round pick thanks to the Osa Odighizuwa trade, but it’s not until later in the round. The team may need to do some maneuvering if they want to line up in a spot to take Ramsey. He is a high-floor player who brings immediate special teams value and the potential to be a long-term starter at safety. If you want a safety who can tackle, lead, and erase mistakes, Ramsey is the guy you want wearing the Star.
