As 49ers.com runs down the list of top prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft, we continue our "Meet the Prospect" series with Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland.The Basics
Alabama's official website called Ragland "the heartbeat" of the Crimson Tide defense in 2015. The linebacker tallied 102 tackles, including 60 solo stops and 6.5 tackles for loss. Captained by Ragland, Alabama's defense led the nation in run defense (75.7 yards per game), was third in scoring defense (15.1 points per game) and third in total defense (276.3). His efforts last season earned him a unanimous First-Team All-American selection as well as First-Team All-SEC honors. Most notably, Ragland was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.Measurables
Height: 6-1
Weight: 247
Arm length: 32 inches
Hand Size: 9 7/4 inchesNFL.com Pro Comparison
Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and one-time Pro Bowler (2010) E.J. Henderson.Best College Game
Ragland led Alabama's defense in tackles in eight games last season. During an October meeting against Arkansas, the linebacker tallied eight stops and one sack. The performance earned him SEC Defensive Player of the Week and National Player of the Week honors.Combine Statistics
40-yard dash: 4.72 seconds
Vertical jump: 31.5 inches
Broad jump: 116 inches
3 cone drill: 4.28 secondsMock Draft Connections
ESPN's Todd McShay – No. 14 overall (Oakland Raiders)
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah – No. 20 overall pick (New York Jets)
NFL Media's Charles Davis – No. 27 overall pick (Green Bay Packers)What the Media is Saying…
"Demonstrates the blend of size, aggression, instincts and reliable open-field tackling skills to project well inside to 4-3 and 3-4 principles, alike. Takes accurate first steps and shows excellent closing burst to arrive with pop at the point of attack." – CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler
"Watching Ragland, it's obvious that he studies a lot of tape and picks up opponents' tendencies. When you combine that football intelligence with natural straight-line speed and toughness, you get the best inside linebacker prospect in this class. Ragland, who is already a great all-around player, impressed with his ability to routinely beat RBs and O-linemen around the edge during pass-rush drills at the Senior Bowl." – ESPN’s Todd McShayFun Fact
Ragland was a five-star recruit coming out of high school and was ranked by Scout.com as the nation's No. 1 middle linebacker. He also played basketball and won an Alabama state championship.Must-see Video
To get yourself familiarized with Ragland's hard-hitting style of play, here's a highlight reel of his best moments at Alabama.Social Spotlight
