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New York Giants: Reggie Ragland an enticing defensive option

By Ryan Disdier

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
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 /
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The New York Giants haven’t had a solid inside linebacker since 2008. Is this the year the team finally fills the perpetual hole in the middle?

If history repeats itself, the New York Giants won’t be taking a linebacker in the first round of the draft. The last time the Giants used their first-round pick on a linebacker was in 1984 when they selected Carl Banks with the third-overall pick.

So while history says the Giants won’t be selecting a linebacker in the first round, the current roster situation would beg to differ.

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It’s hard to remember a time when the Giants, who once boasted a vaunted linebacking group, had stability at the linebacker position. The most stability the team has had since the days of Banks and Lawrence Taylor was Antonio Pierce. While Pierce was good, he was only a real contributor for four years.

Last year, the plan was for J.T. Thomas, Devon Kennard and Jon Beason to be the starting linebackers for Big Blue. The trio was unable to stay healthy, as no member was able to appear in more than 12 games. It’s safe to say upgrades need to be made.

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Luckily for the Giants, this year’s draft boasts some good linebacker prospects.

Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith both project to be outside linebackers, and while they’re both extremely talented, Reggie Ragland may be the best option for the Giants.

Ragland was the face of Alabama’s National Champion defense, playing the important role of inside linebacker. He’s a old-school inside backer in every sense of the term. He has no problem taking on blocks in the hole.

Like the majority of Nick Saban-coached players, Ragland plays hard and with high energy. A good tackler and a great leader, Ragland would surely make an impact on the Giants.

Watching Ragland on tape is a joy, because most of the tape is him laying wood to ball carriers. He’s a tone-setting player, just like his former roommate Landon Collins.

What’s interesting about Ragland is his desire to prove to coaches he can be used anywhere. Paul Schwartz of The New York Post highlighted Ragland’s mindset during Senior Bowl practices.

"“A middle linebacker who was the face of Alabama’s national championship defense, Ragland arrived here and immediately said he wanted to switch positions, a move designed to take him out of his comfort zone in an attempt to open more eyes. He started for two years as a middle linebacker at Alabama, but informed the Senior Bowl powers-that-be he wanted to practice during the week and play in the game Saturday as an outside linebacker.”"

While it’s likely Ragland struggles adjusting to outside linebacker, there’s no doubt that he’s up for the challenge and believes he has the skill set to succeed.

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His attempt to show coaches he can be used anywhere also displays his coachability, which is something that’s invaluable for a young player to have.

Ragland’s versatility is something that may make him more valuable to the Giants. Ragland could theoretically come in from day one and take over the inside linebacker duties, should the team decide to part ways with Jon Beason.

If New York signed a backup inside linebacker in free agency, then it would make Ragland able to move over to outside linebacker if, and probably when, Kennard gets injured.

Like Ereck Flowers last year, Ragland may be the best long-term option for the Giants. With that being said, I can’t imagine — and I hope they don’t — the Giants using the 10th overall pick on Ragland, as that would be a reach, in my opinion. But then again, Flowers was a reach last year, so who knows?

Ragland, unlike Myles Jack, may be the safest bet, albeit an un-sexy one.

Personally, I still think Ezekiel Elliott is still the best choice for the Giants. But if the team decides to go long-term, then Ragland’s versatility probably makes him the best option.

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