Chicago Bears draft prospects: Inside linebackers
Reggie Ragland (6-foot-2, 252 pouns) — Alabama
Ragland just won a championship and is now ready to cash in on his talents. He is the most NFL-ready inside linebacker, possibly the most ready of any player, in the draft.
Ragland is able to play inside or outside, in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. He is a coach’s dream. He has size, speed, strength and can lay down a good pop when he tackles you.
Ragland has good lateral movement and balance, and his outstanding anticipation skills allow him to shed blocks quickly. He is a physical player, something the Chicago Bears franchise has had plenty of over the years.
Mel Kiper is fond of Ragland, and he has him going to Chicago with the 11th pick. He feels Ragland will be the next of the Bears’ history of great linebackers.
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"This is a team that’s had Butkus and Singletary and Urlacher, and he’s very comfortable playing in that 3-4. That’s what he played in at Alabama. So I think he’s a plug and play type of guy at the inside linebacker spot. He’s a guy who can really, really handle the run responsibilities inside and be a great leader. He’s a run-stuffer. He’s got good range. He’ll be guy who works out very effectively."
Ragland will have to work on his pass coverage, but he will definitely help the porous Chicago Bears rush defense.
Of all the inside linebacker options for the Bears, I think Ragland would be their best option. If I were to draft someone, however, I would go after an outside linebacker first. Outside of Ragland, the inside options are better suited for later in the draft.
Next: Chicago Bears Position Review: Cornerbacks
Ragland could be a difference-maker, though. If he is available at eleven, the Chicago Bears would be hard-pressed to pass him up.