If there is one thing that the Alabama Crimson Tide are known for other than National Championships, it is linebackers that make it in the NFL. Reggie Ragland is hoping to be the next Alabama linebacker to put his impact in the NFL.
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The Baltimore Ravens know a thing or two about great linebackers and are very comfortable taking their linebackers from Alabama in the NFL draft. C.J. Mosley has been a phenomenally exciting player since he was drafted 17th overall in 2014. Courtney Uphsaw was the Ravens second round pick in 2012. Could the Ravens take another player from Ozzie Newsome’s alma mater?
While the inside linebacker position is nowhere near the top of the Ravens wish list, we have to no all the draft prospects to really know the draft. This is especially true in Baltimore where Newsome and Eric DeCosta live by the “Best Player Available” mantra and the Ravens are always at least half tempted to trade down and acquire more picks. So who is Reggie Ragland as a football player?
Ragland is a textbook tackling linebacker with good speed. He plays the game as it comes to him, he reads and he reacts. When he breaks to the football he is like a freight train. What Ragland brings to the table is a very similar skillset to that of Mosley (all though he is a little less explosive than Mosely). He is an athletically gifted, football astute player who can do everything you ask a linebacker to do. Let’s break down his strengths and things that draw concern.
Strengths:
- Textbook tackler
- Avoids the trash, takes great pursuit angles to the football
- Solid athlete, not lost in space
- Fantastic Blitz option up the middle
- Good size and strength
Concerns:
- Over aggressive (not the worst trait for a football player to have but makes him susceptible to misdirection and play-action passes)
- Inconsistent production
Draft Value:
I have a first round grade on Ragland, but I wouldn’t take him in the top 10. I think as you get closer to the second round, you’re getting tremendous value on Ragland. After watching him in many big games with the Crimson Tide, I like him an awful lot. This is a physical, smash mouth and relentless linebacker. Anywhere from late first round to high second is perfect value.
Should The Ravens Target Him?
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The Ravens don’t have a long-term answer with Daryl Smith. Mosley and Ragland would be an amazing combination and it would make Newsome happy to see two Alabama guys front and center in the Ravens defense. The Ravens shouldn’t go into the draft thinking they’re going to draft a linebacker. They don’t need one in the immediate future. Plus Arthur Brown and Zach Orr are waiting in the wings. If Ragland falls to them in the second round you couldn’t rule out the Ravens taking him because it would be perfect value. Though Ragland won’t fix the Ravens biggest problem areas so I wouldn’t bank on him wearing purple next season.