Justin Smith: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
Why I Like This Pick: Curtis Lofton is gone after a seriously disappointing 2015. Rookie Ben Heeney filled in admirably toward the end of the season and is likely motivated by the notion the Raiders need an inside backer as well as an emotional and personally difficult offseason.
However, Ragland is a thumper in the middle with incredible instincts and a very high football IQ who could instantly step in and become an extension of coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. after captaining a once-in-a-generation defense under Nick Saban at Alabama.
A smart defensive captain with good instincts, the 6’1, 247 pound 2015 Defensive Player of the Year and All-American has better coverage skills than he’s given credit for, having defended 6 passes in 2015. Some question his play speed and coverage ability, which is a concern for Raider linebackers, but Ragland’s football IQ allows him to be in proper position more often than not and use angles to his advantage.
With Khalil Mack devouring passers and occupying two and sometimes three blockers at a time, Ragland will have the ability to roam free and lay wood, something the Raiders haven’t had at linebacker in a very, very long time.