Alabama senior Reggie Ragland is considered one of the top linebackers in the 2016 NFL Draft class, and multiple Raiders scouts have spoken with him already, as the talented linebacker is clearly drawing attention, according to Chase Goodbread of College Football 24/7.
Ragland also met with the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers but spoke at length with the Raiders scouts, according to Goodbread. There was reportedly a sigh of disappointment after Ragland was measured at the Senior Bowl on Tuesday, but he will look to prove his worth on the field, as he has done for the Crimson Tide.
Ragland is listed at 6-foot-2, 252 pounds, and was a huge factor in Alabama's national championship season. In his senior year, the Crimson Tide linebacker recorded 102 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks. Ragland is expected to play some outside linebacker this week in the Senior Bowl, as scouts want to see his ability to play in space and on the perimeter, according to Goodbread.
The Raiders currently sit with the 14th pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and after selecting Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain with the eighth pick in 2010, their front office clearly wants their scouts to do their homework. The Raiders defense improved during the 2015 season and could look to add another dynamic defensive player like Ragland in the draft. It's unclear how long Ragland will stick around in the draft because multiple teams will be interested in the Alabama linebacker, and some have projected him to land with the Chicago Bears with the 11th pick. Ragland can boost his draft stock with a great game in the Senior Bowl and will look to prove he can make plays outside of Alabama's defense.
