Kansas City Chiefs: Way Too Early 2016 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1 – Pick 28: Reggie Ragland (Inside Linebacker, Alabama)

While it seems all too likely that current inside linebacker Derrick Johnson will stay a Chief, he can’t play forever. Even if he re-signs this offseason, that contract wouldn’t be for more than a couple of years.

Enter Reggie Ragland from Alabama.

Ragland, considered the best inside linebacker in this year’s draft class, could offer an aggressive style of play to help the Chiefs defense stop the run. He was voted the SEC Best Defensive Player in 2015 and would likely get some time to learn from Johnson (assuming he re-signs) and Josh Mauga, both of whom had good seasons for the Chiefs.

Ragland had 60 solo tackles in 2015 (102 total), seven defended passes, two and a half sacks, and forced two fumbles. He spent all four years with Alabama and will be entering the draft as a hot commodity on big boards everywhere.

He was voted the SEC Best Defensive Player in 2015 and would likely get some time to learn from Johnson (assuming he re-signs) and Josh Mauga, both of whom had good seasons for the Chiefs.

The Chiefs struck gold in 2005 when they selected Derrick Johnson 15th overall. How awesome would it be if they selected Ragland and he went on to have the career that DJ had?

What I like most about Ragland is the fact that he chose to return to Alabama for his senior season rather than enter the draft early. His coach at Alabama, Nick Saban, said that decision likely was worth $12-$14 million. This shows that Ragland improved a lot in his senior season and that he’s absolutely ready to join an NFL team and make an instant impact.

The Chiefs have even spoken with Ragland at the Senior Bowl, according to Arrowhead Pride.

Whether DJ re-signs or not, Reggie Ragland is a solid linebacker choice for a team that will need one in the coming years.

Next: Another Roll Tide