First, we all agree that we’re comparing a HOF’er with a future HOF’er, right? So, by definition, it comes down to nitpicky stuff when we try to differentiate.
My short answer is that I tend to agree with Steve’s position. Here’s why.
Ramsey is the more versatile of the two. Staley can use him in more ways, in fact, Staley has stated that Ramsey is more than just a CB in his system. I think that that is very valuable to a D. I’ll bet that Staley, if given the hypothetical choice, would choose Ramsey for his system.
As has already been mentioned, Ramsey is light years ahead of Sanders in run D. I mean, they are literally on opposite ends of the spectrum there.
This discussion is not unlike choosing between Dickerson and Faulk for best RB. Dickerson was the better pure runner, but Faulk was the more complete back. Both were elite, both played in different eras, and both were almost impossible to defend.
Anyway, there is no ‘wrong’ answer when choosing between Sanders and Ramsey (not counting the 49er/Cowboy stink on Sanders here, lol), but if I had to choose, I would choose Ramsey and never look back.
