Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Reggie Ragland (Alabama) - 2016 NFL Draft Pick #41 by BUF

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Reggie Ragland - 2016 NFL Draft

Position: Linebacker

College: University of Alabama

Overview

Reggie Ragland emerged as one of the top linebackers in college football during his time at Alabama. Known for his exceptional tackling ability, football IQ, and leadership on the field, Ragland was a key component of Alabama's dominant defense.

Strengths

• Physicality: Ragland is a highly physical player who excels in run defense. He is not afraid to take on blockers and can shed them effectively.
• Tackling: He is known for his sure tackling ability, rarely missing tackles and often finishing plays with authority.
• Instincts: Ragland has excellent instincts, allowing him to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly. His ability to read the offense gives him an edge on the field.
• Leadership: Ragland served as a captain at Alabama and demonstrated strong leadership qualities, earning the respect of teammates and coaches alike.
• Versatility: While primarily a middle linebacker, he possesses the versatility to play in various linebacker positions and adapt to different defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Skills: While competent in coverage, Ragland's skills in pass defense are not as polished as his run-stopping abilities. He may struggle against faster, more agile receivers.
• Speed: Although he possesses good speed, he may not have elite speed to keep up with faster NFL athletes, which could be a concern in coverage situations.
• Injury Concerns: There were concerns about his durability due to past injuries, which could affect his long-term viability in the league.

Projected Draft Position

Reggie Ragland was projected to be a first-round talent, with many analysts placing him in the late first to early second round range, depending on team needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Reggie Ragland was viewed as a solid linebacker with the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. His combination of physicality, tackling ability, and football intelligence made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft.