#BWinsDraft Q&A about Reggie Ragland with @gothlaw of @Rollbamaroll

With each pick arriving from the draft to One Bills Drive, we strive to find a local writer that has “smelled their breath” as Buddy Nix used to say. Today, we had the chance to ask Erik Evans, Editor in Chief at Roll ‘Bama Roll.

Erik is a double bonus because not only is he a huge Tide fan, but he’s a lifetime Bills fan as well – thanks to a love of their uniforms as a small child. You can find him on twitter @gothlaw and you can find the blog @Rollbamaroll. Additionally, if you’d like EVEN MORE fun stuff on Reggie after you read this interview, they have a great draft profile of him up on the site as well. Big thanks to Erik for taking the time to share his feelings on Reggie!

How would you describe Reggie’s time at school?

Uncle Reggie was a quiet leader and solid contributor until it was his turn in Alabama’s ridiculously deep front seven. Then, he became the vocal leader of the nation’s best defense. He paid his dues, graduated (as most Saban players do,) and absolutely was the hype man of the 2015 National Champions. He is going to be fantastic in a less-restrained NFL.

What are Reggie’s strengths and weaknesses?

Strengths:

Does not overpursue for a headhunter, sure tackler, ballistic missile at the line of scrimmage, capable of taking on/beating blocks from the OL and chipping secondary blockers. Of all of Nick Saban’s excellent linebackers, he is the best instinctual and fluid run-stuffer Alabama has had in two decades, and is among the smartest on the field, with CJ Moseley and Demeco Ryans. To that, add his size, quick first step and the power to allows him to also rush the passer as a standup DE. I’ve heard “sane Vontaze Burfict,” and that’s an apt description. But he’s so much more versatile and much better locker room guy.

Weaknesses:

Pass defense was not his forte early in his career, limiting his effectiveness to a linebacker that played standard rushing downs. By last season, however, he was much improved: he registered 7 PBUs (3rd on the team) when pressed into pass defense. He still needs some work in one-one-one outside coverage. Also, if he wants to add even more value as a pass-rusher from the 5-tech, or hybrid 9-tech on 3rd down, then he will need to improve his repertoire: It’s very hard to overpower offensive linemen in the NFL or gas them unless you’re Von Miller. WILL is the perfect spot for Ragland, as Rex Ryan has already announced (and as the Bills desperately need.) Health has been flagged as well. His enlarged aorta has posed no problems so far, and most NFL teams do not think it will (still, knock on wood.)

Is there anything fans outside of your team wouldn’t know about him?

People undervalue his leadership. The day after Alabama lost to Ohio State in the 2014 playoff semifinals, he essentially said that it was not over, that he would not let this team go without winning a national title. When he had the chance to turn pro, he did not — despite a R2 grade. He spent all Spring calling players out for being soft, for not doing enough to win, for them putting personal goals first. He literally had nightmares about that one loss. There is competitive — there is vocal leadership, but in terms of leading by example, with his body and mind and in the locker room and in the weight room and in the film room, there have been few better lately. He will become the soul and identity of this defense in no time.

Any game(s) we should point fans to as “the game(s)” that he stood out in?

Reggie had many great games, including the national championship against Clemson, the SEC title vs. Florida, and against rivals Tennessee and Auburn. But, for a full display of his versatility, Ragland was a one-man wrecking crew versus Arkansas’ huge offensive line: He recorded 8 tackles (7 solo,) one PBU, one sack, one forced fumble, and two QB hurries. That game was its own draft film.

Any stats jump out during his time at ‘Bama?

The thing that stands out the most about Ragland is that, for a college athlete playing against far more varied offenses than he will face in the NFL, Reggie was insanely diverse. As a junior and senior here were his stats: 195 tackles (106 solo;) 10 PBUs; 1 INT; 4 sacks; 4 FF; 3 FR.

Any other thoughts on Reggie?

I am not sure if I’m more excited for Reggie as an Alabama alum or if I’m more excited for Buffalo as a lifelong Bills fan. This is a slam dunk pick: A first round linebacking talent the Bills badly need (I actually thought Buffalo would bite at 19,) a leader, an old-school thumper, and a fantastic personality — he is going to win over the locker room and Orchard Park very quickly on his way to a long, productive career. Go Bills. Roll Tide.

Archive:
Round 1 – Shaq Lawson

Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!

#BWinsDraft Q&A about Reggie Ragland with @gothlaw of @Rollbamaroll

Alan Draper

Alan Draper

Alan Draper