The Green Bay Packers have declared that Clay Matthews is moving back to outside linebacker in 2016. So the team now needs a true inside linebacker with Matthews back at his natural position. And if the Packers can stay healthy, a solid inside linebackers could put the Packers back in the Super Bowl.
There’s actually a player that grew up with a liking the Packers projected to go late in the first round too. Former Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland is that guy and expects the Packers to get him. Thos expectations stem from his meeting with the team at the Reese’s Senior Bowl last month.
He told 247Sports, “I did meet with them, and they talked to me about that they needed a linebacker on the inside. And if they had the opportunity, I think they would. But I’m not sure. It all depends when draft day comes.”
Ray Charles can see that the Packers need an inside linebacker and that they would take Ragland if available. A two-year starting signal-caller for one of college football’s elite defenses, Ragland is just what the doctor ordered for the Packers. On many draft boards, he’s starting to creep into the top 20 so if a team in the top 20 sees it that way, a trade may be necessary.
But if not, Ragland fully expects the Packers to take him and it’s for good reason that he expects it. Not only do the Packers need an inside backer but they’ve done well drafting Alabama players. Defensive back Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and running back Eddie Lacy from previous drafts are contributing.
I guess it doesn’t hurt that he likes the Packer too.