Talking Prospects

Do we need an ILB right now? Arguably no, but Woodyard is 29 and the only guy we have behind him is Spence (a career Special Teamer) and Nate Palmer who we picked up off of waivers this week. Why pass up on an elite LB prospect when we don't have to? Let's talk about Reggie Ragland.

Strengths

Old-school, take­-on middle linebacker who plays the game the way Nick Saban likes. Steps into hole and will swap paint with lead blockers in order to constrict his gap. Instinctive linebacker who trusts his eyes and goes. Showed greater understanding of angles and leverage this year. Won’t over­commit when flowing to ball carrier and almost always finds his run fits. Missed tackles fell from ten in 2014 to just three this season. Played with hand in ground as an edge rusher in some sub­packages. Showed greater willingness to take chances downhill. Nasty hitter with above average play strength.

Weaknesses

Some scouts question his play speed. Can be inconsistent with his angles when playing downhill. Could get himself in trouble miscalculating NFL speed to the perimeter. Will get locked up more often by pro linemen if he tries to take on all blocks rather than punch and shed. Alabama’s outstanding defensive front allowed him to roam unblocked for much of the year. Can handle himself in zone coverage but man cover skills are limited.

Personal Opinion

I grew up in a conflicted house hold as I've been cheering for the Vols and the Tide my whole life. I loved the championship years for the Vols, and I've showered in the success of the Tide the past decade. I'll never forget the 11 OT game between the two. Went so long we had to leave the house we were watching it and I just sat in the car listening to the radio. That was probably the moment I got absolutely hooked on this sport.

None of that is the point though. I tell you this to give you fair warning, I'm biased and I LOVE Reggie Ragland. He's a throwback, no hold barred, prime time football player as far as I'm concerned and I would love to have him on our team. I know it's not our biggest need, but Ragland immediately provides depth and rotation for a position we're desperately shallow at. I think he could be the best LB in this draft and he'd tear it up for us.

To talk technically for a moment, he's got good size and he hits hard. He's a monster in the run game and can play outside on pass rush if needed. I think he has decent coverage skills. I get why NFL thinks he would have trouble in man, but I'm not that concerned; I think it mostly comes down to the one negative I have on him: his angles could use work. That can be corrected with practice though. I'd be so fucking pumped if we picked him.

Hype Reel

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyi3jG-uvGg