Kansas City Chiefs: Reggie Ragland’s journey to Chiefs Kingdom
By Kyle Hull
Reggie Ragland is the most exciting defensive linebacker on the Kansas City Chiefs roster, and perhaps the best trade Brett Veach will ever make.
The Backstory
A former Alabama Crimson tide finds himself strapping up his football pads, followed by covering those pads with a red-dominate football jersey once again. Reggie Ragland is a Kansas City Chief, and not even an ACL injury can slow him down.
Before this goes any further, there must be a reverse in time. Prior to his success in Kansas City, Ragland’s journey took a turn down an unfortunate path – rehab, and recovery.
The Buffalo Bills selected Ragland in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. A disgraceful 2015-16 defensive effort required the Bills to fill the holes in the draft.
The Bills selected defensive end Shaq Lawson in the first round, with the 19th overall pick. Following the selection of Lawson, in an effort to further bulk up the defense – the Bills traded up to draft Ragland.
Ragland was a projected first round pick, yet he was still waiting to find his new home in day two of the NFL draft. Finally though, the Buffalo Bills made the call.
Reggie Ragland continues to look like an absolute steal and a major solution to the run defense problems. How many LB's are able to stop Lynch in his tracks like this under any circumstances? Such a strong hitter AND a good tackler. pic.twitter.com/BCZsh0z0Mf
— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) December 11, 2017
Lacing up his cleats in Buffalo, New York, Ragland found his new home, distant from his alma mater in Alabama. Though distant from his comfort zone, Ragland’s training camp in 2016 was encouraging for the Bills, as he was a projected starter on a new and improved Bills defense.
Well of course, until the day of August 10th, 2016, perhaps the day that determined him a Kansas City Chief. An ACL tear in his knee ended his 2016 rookie campaign, far too short.
This is when Ragland possibly says to Chiefs Kingdom “You’re welcome.” Changing his past, and erasing his ACL tear for good, Ragland probably would not be proving himself on the field under the direction of defensive coordinator Bob Sutton.
I need to send a personal letter to the Bills for giving us Reggie Ragland. Anyone want to sign their name on it with me?
— Chiefs Daily (@chiefsdaily15) December 10, 2017
A red and gold Reggie Ragland
General manager Brett Veach’s aggressive approach to bettering an NFL roster came in clutch the day he hauled in Ragland. This move was a win-win for the Chiefs, and for Ragland. Ragland’s talents bulk the thin linebacker corps for the Chiefs, and the Chiefs offer Ragland a fresh start in the NFL.
Veach sent a 2019 fourth round pick to the Bills, in order to obtain Ragland. At the beginning of the Ragland era, many were worried about Ragland’s health. An ACL tear is something that has an unfortunate way of repeating himself.
Ragland is about as tough as they come. He missed a few games for the Chiefs, but once he stepped foot on the turf – Ragland proved he is who Veach, and his staff thought he was.
Yo. Reggie Ragland can play. Great pickup
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) December 10, 2017
For the Kansas City Chiefs, Ragland’s 27 solo tackles make him a linebacker the defense has been searching for. His explosion, and downhill play is makes Ragland easily one of the best young linebackers in the NFL today.
Along with his 27 solos, his 12 assists further back-up impressive play for the Chiefs. Ragland’s 37 total tackles in only 10 games played make him second in most tackles, as a linebacker, behind teammate Derrick Johnson.
The Future of the linebacker corps
Veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson has been the answer for countless years for the Chiefs, but his time is sadly winding down in the NFL.
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Bulking up the thin linebacker corps was a “must-fix” for Veach, with the acquisitions of Kevin Pierre-Louis, and Ragland. Keeping this explosive, and young duo in Kansas City is a must, with the aging Derrick Johnson.
Ragland proves every single day in a Chiefs uniform that perhaps he was a steal for Veach, and the Buffalo Bills are more than likely beating themselves up for letting go of such a talent.
The fourth round pick for the Bills in 2019 may end up being worth trade value for the Bills, or nothing at all. If I were working in the front office for the Bills – I would sure hope this draft pick helps the team, after losing a young, and talented prospect.
The future of the linebacker corps is finally here, and with Johnson there as a backbone of veteran support – expect Ragland to only improve each season.
Does this mean Ragland still has room to grow? Yes, it does, because in a few seasons the Kansas City Chiefs will have one of the best linebackers in the NFL on their team.
This is only the beginning
Ragland’s talents shown in each game is only a tiny sliver as far as what to expect him to do in the NFL. He is explosive, tough, and ready to take the NFL by a storm.
Through his 10 games of his first-year debut, Ragland play each game as if his life depends on it. As a running back for an opposing team knowing Ragland is on the other side of the football – I do not think it would be much fun knowing what is about to come.
When the quarterback snaps the football, and Ragland takes his first downhill step to react the play, watch his explosion to the backfield. Let’s pretend his explosion is a resemblance of how he will play in the NFL – fast, and you won’t see it coming.
Ragland is a steal for the Kansas City Chiefs, and with him on the football field – there is not one NFL team that is safe.