Chicago Bears Draft Watch: Could Carson Wentz Be The Future?
By Grizz.
Reggie Ragland
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Matchup: Alabama Versus Florida – Saturday, December 5th – 3 P.M. CT – CBS
Position: Linebacker
College: Alabama
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 258
Pro Comparison: Dont’a Hightower
Projection: Round 1
Scouting Report:
Strengths:
Reggie Ragland may be the best pure inside linebacker in this years draft class. Sure, Jaylon Smith is a physical specimen, and Myles Jack is extremely athletic. However, Ragland plays the position in its purest form.
Ragland, the former top ranked high school linebacker prospect, was hidden behind some gems at the powerhouse that is the University of Alabama. His frame allows for him to matchup with various blockers. He can dispose of anyone from a swinging tackle to a fullback shooting up the hole.
Ragland has solid game speed, and although he may not win any track meets, he will be able to keep pace with the NFL’s new era tight end.
Closes in on ball carriers quickly and violently. Is more than just a thumper, and displays so on film when playing against the pass. Sees an open seam on the offensive line and pursues it.
Weaknesses:
Some may question if his production is merely a product of the defensive line he played behind and the school that he played for.
Others will point to the fact that his instincts are not that of an all-pro. Ragland could be an even more effective player had it not be for the fact that he lacks the ability to read and react. This leads to him being neutralized – which must be taken care of prior to the NFL.
Why It Makes Sense:
Ragland may be seen as a system player, and this may cause for him to fall to the second half of the first round. However, he could be a dominant system player in Vic Fangio’s hybrid 3-4 scheme.
Ragland would give the Bears an unquestioned leader in the middle, something the franchise has been missing since the days of Brian Urlacher. With that being said, Ragland could also have the highest floor of any of the inside linebacker prospects – which could be appealing to a team that needs a sure thing at that position moving forward.
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