He is a throwback player, yet the professional level still honors an old school style.
Alabama inside linebacker prospect Reggie Ragland is projected as the top-ranked player at his position heading into the upcoming NFL Draft. He dropped 12 pounds since the Senior Bowl, making a pitch to NFL scouts that he can play both inside and outside ‘backer’ on defense.
Multiple teams are in need of a presence at inside linebacker; however, Green Bay labels this spot as a “top need.”
Clay Matthews, 29, is a six-time Pro Bowl selection, NFC Defensive Player of the Year (2010), NFC Conference champion (2010) and Super Bowl champion in 2010, but he cannot do everything on defense by himself.
His strong suit lies at outside linebacker, a position he has anchored from 2009-13.
Matthews totaled 247 tackles, 50 sacks and four interceptions during those five seasons. The Packers alternated him between outside and inside linebacker in the last two years, in attempts to improve both its pass rushing and run defense.
Green Bay finished 21st in the NFL against the run, allowing 119.1 yards and 13 touchdowns. It will have the 27th overall pick in April’s draft and for defensive back Ha’Sean “Ha Ha” Clinton-Dix, he wants the Packers to go after Ragland.
Let's get this money @reggieragland 🙏🏾
— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (@haha_cd6) February 28, 2016
I got you big bro https://t.co/13SBU5gWLd
— Reggie Ragland (@reggieragland) February 28, 2016
Ragland anchored a front at Alabama that led the nation against the run (75.7 ypg) and was among the best in scoring defense (15.1 ppg) during the 2015 season. He collected 195 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss in seasons as a starter.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
