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Reggie Ragland

Reggie Ragland Flagged For Medical Issue

April 28th, 2016 at 12:48pm CST by Zachary Links

Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland was flagged for an enlarged aorta, which requires yearly monitoring, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). As a result, some teams have pushed him down their draft boards a bit. Conversely, seven teams have told Rapoport (Twitter link) that they don’t believe the issue will alter Ragland’s football career. Those teams believe that Ragland and his doctors just have to monitor his situation closely. Reggie Ragland (Vertical)

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Ragland recently said that he has been hearing the most from the Bears (No. 11), Saints (No. 12), Dolphins (No. 13), Falcons (No. 17) . He also confirmed personal workouts with the Colts, Ravens, Jaguars, Vikings, Rams, and Bills. The Packers at No. 27 are said to be his basement.

In PFR’s latest mock draft, Dallas Robinson has the Bills selecting Ragland at No. 19 overall. And, on Wednesday, PFR’s Rob DiRe pegged Ragland as the fourth-best linebacker in this year’s class:

“Ragland is a big man who can handle the middle of the field in the trenches, and also has experience on the defensive line as a pass rusher. He moves well laterally for his size, and while he doesn’t have the upside in coverage of the top guys, he does show good instincts particularly when dropping into a zone.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC Draft Updates: Goff, Pack, Floyd, Cowboys

April 24th, 2016 at 7:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Since shortly after the Rams traded for the Titans’ No. 1 pick, it’s been expected they’re planning to turn over their offensive keys to Jared Goff. That indeed remains the plan, Jordan Raanan of NJ.com tweets.

Set to make their first No. 1 overall pick since taking Sam Bradford in 2010, the Rams can negotiate with the Cal quarterback if they so choose. But the NFL, according to Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times, has asked the team to keep its choice private until the draft to increase the suspense.

Goff’s father, Jerry Goff, told Farmer he has a “pretty good idea” where his son will be beginning his professional career, however, without revealing the choice. Jared Goff dined with Kevin Demoff and Stan Kroenke on Thursday night in Los Angeles, Farmer adds.

This will mark the fifth time in the past nine drafts the Rams will have possessed a top-two pick. Only one of the previous players selected — Greg Robinson — remains on the roster.

Here’s the latest from the NFC on the eve of draft week.

  • A team in need of inside-linebacking help told Yahoo.com’s Charles Robinson (Twitter link) the Packers are Reggie Ragland‘s basement. Green Bay picks at No. 27 and plans to relocate Clay Matthews back to his natural outside linebacker position, leaving unproven Sam Barrington and Jake Ryan as the incumbents pushing for starting jobs there. The Packers took Ryan in the fourth round last year but haven’t selected an inside ‘backer in the first round since A.J. Hawk in 2006.
  • The Falcons, who sent 16 representatives to watch Leonard Floyd‘s pro day recently, worked out the Georgia linebacker on Saturday on campus, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Floyd weighed 235 pounds Saturday, which is down nine pounds from his Combine weigh-in, per Ledbetter. Picking 17th, the Falcons were impressed with the former Bulldogs ‘backer’s length and speed, Ledbetter notes. Atlanta-based agent Todd France, who represents Vic Beasley, also represents Floyd.
  • With the Cowboys 7-20 since Tony Romo took the team’s reins at quarterback in October 2006 in games where the now-36-year-old passer sits, Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News wonders if Dallas should trade back into the first round to potentially acquire Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg. Gosselin envisions a scenario not unlike the one in 2011 that saw Jake Locker and Christian Ponder be selected earlier than most thought as an example that for Paxton Lynch being chosen earlier than expected now that the Rams and Eagles are likely to take QBs at Nos. 1-2. Should that occur, Gosselin envisions players like Cook or Hackenberg potentially being taken again before the Cowboys’ second pick (No. 34).
  • Robinson also points out (on Twitter) that Jerry Jones is a big Ezekiel Elliott fan, and that the Cowboys owner would prefer the Ohio State runner or Jalen Ramsey at No. 4. Conversely, Robinson connects the Cowboys front office as a whole to a choice between Ramsey and Joey Bosa.

Draft Rumors: Treadwell, Ragland, Correa, Jets

April 22nd, 2016 at 9:00pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Jets have been eyeing linebackers Reggie Ragland (Alabama) and Kamalei Correa (Boise State) in recent days, according to Tony Pauline of WalterFootball.com. Ragland, specifically, would act as a future replacement for veteran David Harris, but he could be in play as high as pick No. 13 to the Dolphins. However, Washington and the Packers are seen as the most likely landing spots for Ragland, per Pauline.

Let’s take a look at some more draft rumors, all courtesy of Pauline…

  • The Giants have been linked to wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, but Pauline speculates that New York could trade down from the No. 10 pick before selecting him. The Titans (pick No. 15) would make for an ideal trade partner, and they could move up with their sights set on offensive tackle Jack Conklin.
  • Conklin is a popular name in the top half of Round 1, as Pauline reports that the Browns are interested in the Michigan State product with the eighth pick. Conklin would act as a replacement for Mitchell Schwartz, who departed via free agency, at right tackle.
  • The Panthers lost Josh Norman after rescinding his franchise tag, but they have their eye on another corner in the draft, as Pauline says Carolina could select Southeastern Louisiana defensive back Harlan Miller at the end of the third round. Miller had a private workout with the Panthers earlier this month.
  • Some general managers think Ohio State’s Nick Vannett is the only true three-down tight end available in the draft, which could help his stock. The Chargers and Falcons will consider taking Vannett in Round 2 or 3, per Pauline.

South Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Colts, Ogbah

April 18th, 2016 at 7:18pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Following the trend set by the Rams and the Cardinals, among others, the Falcons will be eyeing hybrid linebacker/safeties in this year’s draft, as D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution details. Los Angeles’ Mark Barron and Arizona’s Deone Bucannon are just two examples of “safeties” who have morphed into linebacker roles, and several prospects in the 2016 draft, including LSU’s Deion Jones, USC’s Su’a Cravens, and Florida’s Keanu Neal — all of whom Atlanta has met with — could make a similar transition.

“In the college game, they are more spread out,” said Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. “They are more open. You’re seeing more space players come out, who are the 215-, 225-pound linebackers who are outside and playing in space. Those players, we are finding ways to feature them at the NFL level as well because of their athletic ability.”

Here’s more from the NFL’s two South divisions…

  • Even if they do end up targeting hybrid linebackers in the draft, the Falcons still need to add talent and depth at the prototypical LB position, writes Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com in his overview of the club as they open offseason workouts. Ohio State’s Darron Lee and Alabama’s Reggie Ragland could both be options for Atlanta at No. 17, opines McClure, who adds that edge-rusher is also near the top of the Falcons’ list of draft needs.
  • The Colts are another club drafting in the middle of Round 1 that could use linebacker help, and as such, could be a fit for Ragland. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star tweets that not only have the Colts held a private workout for the Alabama standout, but with Clemson’s B.J. Goodson, who starred at the combine.
  • Oklahoma State defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah will take a short tour of the NFC South this week, as he’s lined up visits with both the Falcons and the Panthers, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). The 6’4″, 270-pound edge rusher could very well be available at either pick No. 17 or No. 30, where Atlanta and Carolina currently sit, respectively.
  • Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld will make a visit to Houston to meet with the Texans on Tuesday, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. Sudfeld has also generated interest from the Saints and Cardinals.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

NFC Draft Rumors: Falcons, Bucs, 49ers

April 13th, 2016 at 9:02pm CST by Zachary Links

The Falcons are on the lookout for an upgrade at right guard, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes. Last year’s starter, Chris Chester, would like to return to Atlanta, so he could be one option. Other than that, the Falcons have Mike Person, but they’re not terribly high on him. Atlanta could find their right guard solution in the draft and multiple sources tell McClure that they like UCLA offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch as an interior lineman. The Bruins right tackle recently worked out for Atlanta brass and made a solid impression. Benenoch, a likely later-round pick, has drawn attention for teams because of his ability to play four of the five spots on the offensive line.

  • Ohio State safety Vonn Bell told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that all of his visits and workouts are in the books. In addition to previously reported teams, Bell noted that he has visited the Buccaneers.
  • Cal wide receiver Darius Powe looked sharp in a recent workout for the 49ers, Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com tweets. Next up for Powe is a Saturday workout with the Cowboys.
  • Missouri Western offensive tackle Leonard Wester worked out for the Cardinals on Wednesday, Rand Getlin of NFL.com tweets.
  • Stanford guard Joshua Garnett says that he has only visited the Bears thus far, though he has had many private workouts, as Eric Branch as the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. Garnett could wind up as a second-round pick.
  • Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland is scheduled to visit the Falcons on Sunday and Monday, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com writes.

AFC Draft Notes: Titans, Bills, Ragland

April 12th, 2016 at 1:13pm CST by Luke Adams

It’s no secret that the Titans are willing to trade down from No. 1 in this year’s draft, and one high-level executive from a team in the top half of the draft suggests to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that Tennessee may be torn between top tackles Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley. Tunsil is widely expected to be selected first, but if the Titans were to move down a little, the team could potentially draft whichever tackle is still on the board at that point – likely Stanley – while picking up an extra selection or two in the process.

As we wait to see what general manager Jon Robinson ultimately decides to do with that first overall pick, let’s round up another handful of draft updates from out of the AFC….

  • The Bills are hosting Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland for a visit today, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post (Twitter link). Ragland, who visited the Rams on Monday, is projected to be a first-round pick, and could still be on the board when Buffalo picks at No. 19.
  • After making a visit to Kansas City last week, Northern Illinois linebacker Perez Ford is meeting with another AFC West team today, per Aaron Wilson, who tweets that Ford is visiting the Raiders.
  • UCLA pass-catching tight end Thomas Duarte is visiting the Dolphins today, according to Rand Getlin of the NFL Network (via Twitter). Getlin suggests that Duarte may be an ideal match for Adam Gase’s offensive scheme.
  • Most of the Steelers‘ pre-draft visitors so far have been defensive players, but the team took a look at an offensive prospect today, bringing in Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard, tweets Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  • Having already worked out for New Orleans and Philadelphia, Boston College linebacker Steven Daniels is paying a visit to New England to meet with the Patriots, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net, who tweets that the Pats would be a good fit for Daniels.

AFC South Notes: Watt, Jaguars, Titans, Draft

April 6th, 2016 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

Will Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt retire sooner rather than later? It’s probably too early to make any assumptions about how many years the perennial All-Pro has left, but as James Palmer of the NFL Network tweets, Watt did tell SportsRadio 610 in Houston that he won’t be one of those players who attempts to extend his career as long as possible.

Here are several more items from out of the AFC South…

Draft Rumors: Cravens, Lions, Dolphins, Raiders

March 30th, 2016 at 8:58pm CST by Zachary Links

USC safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens says he has six visits lined up and another eight potentially on the horizon as well, Mike Florio of PFT writes. In addition to the previously reported teams with interest, Cravens says he will visit the the Lions, Raiders, and Dolphins.

Here are the latest draft rumors:

  • Maryland outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue said he has visits scheduled with the Jaguars, Eagles, Titans, and Jets, according to Daniel Gallen of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (on Twitter) adds that the Bills and Browns both met with him today.
  • Boise State lineman Rees Odhiambo will meet with the 49ers, Saints, and Buccaneers in the next couple of weeks, agent Ron Slavin tells Jay Tust of KTVB (on Twitter).
  • Ohio State safety Vonn Bell has (or has had) meetings, workouts and/or visits with the Jets, Patriots, Panthers, and Giants, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports tweets.
  • South Carolina offensive lineman Brandon Shell says he has individual workouts coming up with the Panthers, Ravens, and 49ers, David Caraviello of the Post And Courier tweets.
  • Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he has probably heard the most from the Bears, Falcons, Saints, and Dolphins. He also confirmed personal workouts with the Bears, Colts, Ravens, Jaguars, Vikings, Rams, and the Bills.
  • Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd confirmed that he has had workouts with the Cowboys, Patriots, Chargers, and Rams (Twitter link via SiriusXM). He’ll also have formal visits with the Panthers and Cowboys next week.
  • Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore has visits/workouts scheduled with the Buccaneers, Panthers, Texans, Eagles, and Bengals, Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 tweets.
  • Defensive line coaches from the Eagles, Titans, Steelers, and Bengals put Javon Hargrave through a workout which lasted almost 45 minutes, according to Tony Pauline for Walter Football.
  • The Cardinals are bringing in linebacker Victor Ochi for an official visit, Pauline writes.

Miller’s Latest: Glennon, Hackenberg, Doctson

March 12th, 2016 at 7:30pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While the Buccaneers have floated the idea of acquiring a first-round pick for quarterback Mike Glennon, Matt Miller of Bleacher Report hears the Tampa Bay would accept a third-rounder if it were from a team picking relatively high. That conflicts with a recent report by Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com which said the Bucs turned down a second-round pick for its backup quarterback. Of course, La Canfora’s report didn’t given any sense of a timetable, so Tampa’s view of Glennon’s market could have changed since it rejected a second-rounder. Glennon is generating the most trade interest of any signal-caller outside of Colin Kaepernick, per Miller.

Here’s more from Miller’s latest column, with a heavy focus on the NFL draft…

  • Some around the NFL don’t expect Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg to have any chance at being a first-round pick now that the Texans have signed Brock Osweiler, according to Miller. Houston head coach Bill O’Brien tutored Hackenberg at Penn State, but now Hackenberg looks to be a second- or third-round pick.
  • Instead of focusing on quarterback, the Texans could now look to find help at either wide receiver or defensive tackle early in the draft, the clubs’ scouts told Miller.
  • Ole Miss defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche‘s character concerns have caused some teams to take him off their draft boards, and one NFC West general manager sounds like he’s employed by one of them. “Take Nkemdiche out of your mock drafts,” the GM said, per Miller. “No one is that stupid.”
  • After releasing Mike Wallace earlier this week, the Vikings are expected to target receivers early in the draft, and one player to keep an eye on could be Josh Doctson of TCU, per Miller, as a team source tells the Bleacher Report scribe that Minnesota has a high grade on Horned Frog pass-catcher.
  • Linebacker Reggie Ragland struggled during his Pro Day, and could now possibly fall to the second round. One scout told Miller that the Alabama product looked “slow, sluggish, and heavy” during his workout.
  • Another Alabama defender — defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson — is viewed as a two-down run-stopper, and therefore might fall out of the first round.
  • Oklahoma cornerback Zack Sanchez is earning good reports from NFL scouts, says Miller, and he’s moved up enough draft boards that he could now be a late first-round pick.
  • Some teams are wary of running back Devontae Booker because the Utah product has undergone two surgeries to clean up a torn meniscus.

Draft Rumors: Hogan, Conklin, Robinson, Ragland

February 22nd, 2016 at 8:48pm CST by Zachary Links

Around this time of year, teams start to get a sense of which quarterbacks can vault up the draft boards, Tony Pauline writes for PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Right now, the scouting community believes that guy is Stanford’s Kevin Hogan. Hogan has impressed with his arm strength and pass velocity and Pauline hears that teams might be pleasantly surprised by his improved wind-up at the Combine.

While we wait to see where Hogan might land, let’s take a look at some more of Pauline’s draft buzz:

  • Tackle Jack Conklin is universally graded as a first-round pick, but not everyone in the league is certain he can handle the left tackle position at the next level. Still, the Michigan State product is expected to interview well and he could find himself in the top half of the first round.
  • The stock of Florida wide receiver Demarcus Robinson will hinge greatly on his interviews, Pauline writes. Talent-wise, Robinson looks like a top-15 prospect, but his checkered past is giving teams pause. If he can make a strong impression on teams, however, he can be a second-day pick.
  • Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland, who tipped the scales at 259 pounds at the Senior Bowl, is expected to be much lighter at the Combine.
  • Several league decision-makers rate teammate T.J. Green as the top safety from the Clemson program rather than Jayron Kearse. Green is a solid athlete who lined up at safety, wide receiver and also played special teams for the Tigers.
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