Below is the PFF draft profile for Alabama's Reggie Ragland, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.
Position fit:
Versatile linebacker; could play any spot in a 4-3 scheme or inside in a 3-4. Could also dabble as an edge-rusher in a limited role.
Stats to know:
Fourth-overall grade among the nation’s linebackers: 18th against the run, 13th in coverage, and ninth as a pass-rusher.
What he does best:
• Fits very well against the run, rarely attacks the wrong gap.
• Patient against the run, and sifts through traffic to find the ball-carrier.
• Will pack a punch as a hitter, makes running backs pay with big hits.
• Takes good angles when running sideline to sideline to help mitigate straight-line speed issues.
• Generally sees and avoids crack-blocks.
• Big hitter when playing in short zones; will crush receivers running crossing routes.
• Reads and attacks screens, works very well downhill when in coverage.
• Can create pressure as pure pass-rusher, adds an extra dimension of versatility on passing downs.
• Wins with his hands as a rusher, should have success in a blitz role against NFL running backs.
Biggest concern:
• Can let blockers get into his chest in the run game.
• Leaves some plays on the field—28 missed tackles over the last two years.
• May not be an impact run defender that makes plays on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
• Can be exploited when isolated on good running backs and tight ends in coverage.
Bottom line:
Ragland looks like a productive two-down linebacker at the very least, with his third-down usage the wildcard in the mix. He’s competent enough to play short zones, though he’s not best-suited to play a lot of man-coverage, so he can be a three-down player in the right scheme. His added pass-rushing dimension bring some versatility as a movable chess piece, and may help him to bridge the gap and stay on the field in passing situations.
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