Chicago Bears mock draft: First four rounds

Reggie Ragland, Inside Linebacker, Alabama

I know that a lot of people are looking for the Chicago Bears to pick up a pass rusher with their first round pick. There are some good pass rushers they can pick up later in the draft, but the Bears also have a glaring need for an inside linebacker who can stop the run, and after Ragland, there is not a lot of good options.

Ragland could be the next in the long line of Chicago Bears legendary linebackers to roam the middle of the field. Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher are some of those legends, and Ragland has the capability to join them (no pressure, right?).

The Chicago Bears interviewed Ragland during Senior Bowl week, so he could be on their radar.

Ragland spoke about the linebacker tradition in Chicago.

“I’m going to try to bring toughness and smartness to the game just like those guys did,” Ragland said. “Alabama has a rich history of linebackers also, too.

“But … whatever [the Bears’ past linebackers] did, I’m going to go back to study it and [look] what made [them] successful at our position. Hopefully, I could be the same and follow in their footsteps if I get the opportunity to play [for the Bears].”

Rushing defense was the main problem for the Chicago Bears in 2015. They ranked fourth (224.6 yards per game) in passing yards given up in 2015. Against the run, conversely, they ranked 22nd in yards given up (120.9 per game) and 26th in average yards per carry (4.5 yards per carry).

With Ragland in the middle, the Alabama Crimson Tide were one of the best run stoppers in college football.

Ragland has the size, speed and athleticism to succeed in the NFL. He can play either the 3-4 or 4-3 defensive scheme. He is a hard hitter, and has an extremely high motor. He will make an impact the moment he takes the field, and will be a multiple Pro Bowl player.

Defensive coordinator will love Ragland, and will use him much like he did with Patrick Willis when he ran the San Francisco defense.

Next: Round 2: A tall, speedy corner to take on the tall, speedy receivers