Chicago Bears 2016 First Round Draft Projections

Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Fred Ross (8) is defended by Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the second quarter of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

LB Reggie Ragland-Alabama

The Bears still need a big boost at the linebacker position.  It will be in the best interest of the Bears to get an explosive inside powerhouse to mirror the linebackers that have graced Halas Hall. The key to a successful defense is a linebacker who can read defenses and see the play coming. Ragland fits that middle linebacker position once held by Bears greats such as Michael Singletary and Brian Urlacher. He can diagnose the run quickly, which is what the Bears lack and do not have in Shea McClellin. He loves grating contact and is very good at creating it.

He is skilled at tracking down running backs and causing collisions when he gets there. His has the ability to see the ball, track it throughout the length of the play and is not easily fooled by misdirection, unlike McClellin. He has speed to shoot gaps when needed and knows how to shed blockers. He squares his shoulders to deliver a hit with leverage and will thrust the receiver or runner the opposite direction to avoid forward progress.  He is very similar to Navarro Bowman, and in Vic Fangio’s scheme he will be an automatic impact.

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