Oakland Raiders already scouting Reggie Ragland

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) hits Ohio State Buckeyes running back Jalin Marshall (17) knocking his helmet off during the third quarter in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL may be focused on the final two weeks of preseason and the upcoming regular season, but behind the scenes scouts are already hard at work evaluating the top talent for the 2016 NFL Draft class. Including the Oakland Raiders who may have their eyes on a highly touted linebacker already for their first round pick next spring according to a report out of Alabama.

According to the former high school coach of Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland, the Raiders have already began to ask around to get background on the senior who finished 2014 with an impressive 93 total tackles. General manager Reggie McKenzie putting a middle linebacker on his radar after hiring two former middle linebackers to handle the Raiders defense in head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.

Ragland’s former high school coach Kevin Rose told a local news outlet in Alabama that teams have already started inquiring on the type of player the senior is. Getting a background profile early on in the process for a player that is looking to earn first round status during his senior year with the Tide.

“I got one from the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs today,” Rose told WHNT News in Huntsville, Ala on teams that have called to get background information on Ragland. “They are looking back on his character and work ethic in high school which is a great message for our kids. Don’t think that what you do when you are 16-17 and 18 years old is unimportant, it’s going to follow you for the rest of your life.”

“In Reggie’s case I’m able to get on there and say very positive things about him because he was a great role model when he was here,” Rose added as he made sure it is known that Ragland is a great prospect on and off the field.

It is too early to know if any player is on the Raiders radar, but it is interesting to find out at least one name the team could have on their early board as they kick the tires on a middle linebacker prospect who should go in the first round. A lot of factors can change from now until the 2016 NFL Draft, but Reggie Ragland is definitely a name for Raiders fans to watch on Saturdays this year as they keep an eye on potential prospects who one day could be draft picks of the Silver and Black.

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