Overrated 2016 NFL Draft Prospects

Oct 10, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Brandon Allen (10) gets hit following a pass by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) and linebacker Tim Williams (56) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama

Ragland is the latest Nick Saban/Kirby Smart ILB who’s been feted as a potential solution to an NFL team’s leadership and run defense problems. And if one looks at the Bama run defense as a whole, that case can be made.

Ragland is the field general of that defense which completely shut down Leonard Fournette. He gets his charges lined up properly, reads the offense and clearly puts in the work in the film room to know what’s going to happen on the field.

And those are great traits to have. For a coach. On the field, Ragland seems too slow footed to be a quality NFL inside/Mike backer. Watch for yourself: vs Texas A&M and vs Georgia.

Ragland is great presnap, but unless the action is coming to him he’s going to be moderately ineffective. This stands out most in the Texas A&M tape: he just doesn’t have the speed to cover or play the wide run unless the play is coming towards him.

Even covering on the flanks, where this lack of speed should be hidden more, he’s unable to deter the pass.

His leadership alone might work in the right system, especially if he has a great defensive line in front of him to keep offensive linemen from blocking down on him. And if the defense asks him to stay between the tackles.

If a team is looking for a sideline to sideline guy, they need to look elsewhere. Curiously enough he looks his best as an edge attacker, either as a defensive end or as an OLB.

Next: Leonard Floyd