NFL Draft Profile: Jose Ramirez, Linebacker, Eastern Michigan Eagles
Jose Ramirez
Eastern Michigan Eagles
#55
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6017
Wt: 242
Hand: 0868
Arm: 3268
Wing: 7858
40: 4.73
DOB: 5/9/1999
Hometown: Lake Alfred, FL
High School: Auburndale
Eligibility: 2023
One Liner:
Ramirez offers a nice blend of initial quickness, pass rush moves, and bend, but his special teams profile and ability to anchor against the run are underwhelming.
Evaluation:
Ramirez took official measurements at the Shrine Bowl. He’s 6017 and weighs 249 lbs. He has nine-inch hands, 33 1/4-inch arms, and a 79 1/2-inch wingspan. Eastern Michigan gave Ramirez snaps in a three-point stance at 5-tech, but he also took a considerable number of reps from wider alignments as a 7 and 9-tech. The All-MAC pass rusher also occasionally took snaps in a two-point stance. He commanded a lot of respect from opposing offenses. Most opponents avoided running the ball to his side or frequently added an extra tight end or running back in pass protection to deter Ramirez. The former three-star recruit is a high-effort player who displays quickness off the line and the speed to stress the tackle’s outside shoulder. He reduces his surface area at the top of the rush and has enough bend to flatten his angle to the quarterback. There are also examples of Ramirez dipping under tackles at the apex of his rush. As a pass rusher, he uses spin moves, a long arm, and rip moves to win on his initial rush and deploys an array of counters, including rips, swipes, and swims. His hands remain active, swiping at the tackle’s hands and working into the lineman’s frame. Ramirez shows flashes of power, tossing or shoving linemen and running backs aside. He plays with consistent leg drive and maintains good momentum and speed on stunts. Ramirez uses good leverage and possesses decent but not elite agility to break down and redirect in space. He struggles to break free from climbing or pulling linemen but otherwise easily separates from blocks and redirects to the ball. The former Arizona Wildcat is an older prospect with limited experience against Power Five competition. He didn’t play a ton of special teams snaps at Eastern Michigan, and his production benefited from wide alignments that created more direct angles to the quarterback. Despite his undersized frame, there’s room for Ramirez to improve his pad level. He lacks elite linear speed and has a lean lower half that limits his ability to win with power. He was at a clear power disadvantage against Arizona State’s Des Holmes this past season. Ramirez’s rush angles are easily widened by offensive linemen and disrupted by blocking tight ends and running backs. He doesn’t attack inside rush lanes enough. Ramirez is easily displayed by vertical rushing attacks and struggles to deconstruct the blocks of climbing linemen. He frequently surrenders gap integrity because his rush plan carries him too far upfield.
Grade:
6th Round
Background:
Originally from Lake Alfred, Florida. Attended Auburndale High School. Began his college career at the University of Arizona. Decided to redshirt his first year. Transferred to Riverside City Community College prior to the 2018 season. As a redshirt freshman, he played in twelve games, totaling forty-four tackles and eight sacks. Transferred to Eastern Michigan University prior to the 2019 season. During redshirt's sophomore season, he played in four games. During the shortened 2020 season, he played in all six games, totaling twenty-seven tackles and two sacks. As a redshirt senior, he has a very strong season, totaling sixty-three tackles and 6.5 sacks. Named part of the Third Team All-Mac. He decided to use his extra year of eligibility. Had a fantastic 2022 season, totaling sixty-three tackles and twelve sacks. Named to the Phil Steele All-Mac First Team.
