Kamari Ramsey

NFL Draft Profile: Kamari Ramsey

Position: Safety | School: USC (via UCLA) | Class: Redshirt Junior

Height: 6'0" | Weight: 205 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid / Man-Cover

College Career Summary

Kamari Ramsey is a cerebral, technically refined safety who successfully navigated the "cross-town" transfer from UCLA to USC. After a redshirt freshman year at UCLA in 2022, Ramsey broke out in 2023, appearing in 11 games and allowing a remarkable 11 total receptions on the season. Following defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn to USC in 2024, he became the heartbeat of the Trojans' secondary, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and leading as a team captain as a redshirt sophomore—a rare feat for a transfer.

In 2025, Ramsey entered the season on the Chuck Bednarik Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy watch lists. Although he missed three regular-season games due to a mid-season injury, his impact when healthy was undeniable. He finished his career with over 130 total tackles, proving he could transition his elite coverage skills into physical run support.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 35

• Total Tackles: 133

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 8.0

• Sacks: 2.0

• Interceptions: 2

• Pass Breakups (PD): 11

• Forced Fumbles: 2

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Alabama State	1 Tkl	B	Controlled the backend; limited opportunities.
vs. Utah State	3 Tkl, 1 PD	B+	Clean coverage; communicated adjustments well.
@ Michigan	5 Tkl, 1.0 TFL	A-	Physical Tools. Clinical run support in a hostile environment.
vs. Wisconsin	4 Tkl	B+	Disciplined eyes against the heavy-set run game.
@ Minnesota	6 Tkl, 1 PD	A	Star Impact. Everywhere on the field; several "eraser" tackles.
vs. Penn State	4 Tkl	B	Solid in man coverage against elite TEs.
@ Maryland	2 Tkl	B-	Relatively quiet; played deep center-field.
vs. Rutgers	DNP	—	Missed due to lower-body injury.
@ Washington	DNP	—	Missed due to injury.
vs. Nebraska	2 Tkl	C+	First game back; looked a bit tentative in pursuit.
@ UCLA	DNP	—	Sidelined for the rivalry game; major blow to defense.
vs. Notre Dame	DNP	—	Missed regular season finale.
vs. TCU (Bowl)	Opt-Out	—	Officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Technical Footwork: Ramsey possesses the fluidity of a cornerback. His Footwork in the backpedal and transition to top speed is among the cleanest in the 2026 class.

• Man-to-Man Prowess: Unlike many safeties, Ramsey can be left on an island against slot receivers or athletic tight ends. He mirrors routes exceptionally well.

• Leadership & IQ: Voted captain in his first year at USC. He functions as a "coach on the field," often calling out offensive formations before the snap.

• Tackling Mechanics: He is a wrap-and-drive tackler who rarely misses once he makes contact.

Weaknesses

• Ball Tracking: While elite at sticking to his man, he can sometimes lose the flight of the ball in high-point situations, leading to pass breakups instead of interceptions.

• Durability Concerns: Missing three critical games to end the 2025 season will raise medical red flags. Scouts will closely monitor his medical checks at the Combine.

• Zone Discipline: Can occasionally be over-aggressive in "off" coverage, biting on intermediate routes and leaving the deep third vulnerable.

Scheme Fit: Ideal Cover 2 / Hybrid Safety for a team that runs a lot of "Big Nickel" (e.g., Packers, Ravens, or Rams).

NFL Comparison: Xavier McKinney (Packers)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 19/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 19/20

Final Grade: 90/100

Kamari Ramsey is a high-floor prospect who brings immediate maturity and communication to an NFL secondary. While he doesn't have the "centerfield" range of Dillon Thieneman or the "thumper" power of McNeil-Warren, he is arguably the best man-cover safety in the draft. His injury history late in 2025 might slide him slightly, but his tape against Big Ten competition is blue-chip.

Draft Projection: 2nd Round