2016 NFL Mock Draft: Creative Trade Causes Early Chaos

Jan 9, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) calls a play in the second quarter against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks in the FCS Championship college football game at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

28 of 31

Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs will likely re-sign Derrick Johnson, that doesn’t alleviate lingering concerns at inside linebacker. He’s 33-years old and has a shortening shelf life. Nobody else on the roster appears ready to assume the mantle whenever he starts to fade. That is the base reasoning behind this selection. <p>This pick is not meant to be pretty or flashy. Reggie Ragland is neither. He’s just a football player, and a good one at that. What he lacks in overall speed he makes up for in toughness, tenacity, instinct and tackling prowess. Ball carriers rarely escape his grasp and usually find him waiting for them in the hole. No question he’ll fit right in at inside linebacker next to Johnson and take over the play calling when the time comes.</p>. ILB. Alabama. Reggie Ragland. 28. player. 124

Next: #29

Home/Mock Drafts