Buffalo Bills: So Far So Good For Reggie Ragland
By Paul Taylor
Reggie Ragland is happy with what he’s seeing from the Buffalo Bills, but admits his biggest adjustment has been learning a new playbook.
In the lead-up to the 2016 draft, our Chris Okrainetz predicted who everyone would take in the first round, with the Buffalo Bills selecting Reggie Ragland at number 19. However, when Shaq Lawson was unexpectedly still available, they understandably went for him instead. (Okrainetz had Lawson going at number 13.)
Amazingly though, for a team – and a sports city in general- not exactly renowned for their good fortune, Ragland was still available when the second round started. Medical exams revealed he having an enlarged aorta and although this was not expected to affect his football career, several teams lowered him on their draft boards.
As such, the Bills took advantage of the situation, trading up to number 41 to get their man. In the process, Rex Ryan also attained a player who is projected to start right away at inside linebacker, next to Preston Brown.
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Overall, the Bills are more than likely over the moon with how things are panning out. However, what about Ragland himself?
The Buffalo News and the rest of the media got a chance to find out, when they spoke to the 22-year old at the conclusion of training on Sunday. And what they found was a young man who is happy with how things are progressing so far.
Ragland was asked to compare the difference, after coming from Alabama and playing for the Crimson Tide: “The difference is I’m not in 100 degree-plus heat, but I’m coming out here with this team (and) it’s great.
“I love this team and everyone has welcomed me with open arms and has helped me become a better play on and off the field, so all the vets are teaching me. I’m asking the questions I need to ask to be a successful player on and off the field and for the most part, I love this team so far and I love being around these guys.”
As far as the 2015 SEC Defensive Player of the Year is concerned, he’s found the transition to be fairly smooth: “It’s been good.
“Coach Saban prepared me the right way and coming into this program, it’s just like that, and some. So, coming over from Coach Saban, it’s helped me a lot.”
Despite originally being projected to go in the middle of the first round, analysts questioned Ragland’s ability to cover at the NFL level. However, he feels like he has acclimated pretty well to that part of his game.
The Hunstville, Alabama native said: “Covering a guy like O.J. Howard at Alabama and Amari Cooper and all those guys has helped me a lot coming out here. For the most part, I think I’m doing a good job.”
Finally, Ragland was asked what the biggest adjustment has been for him: “The biggest adjustments have probably been on the field, because I’m learning a new playbook.
“Off the field, it’s about the same. But on the field, it’s really about learning the new playbook and trying to implement it on the field.”
Some media analysts, including WGR550’s Sal Capaccio, believe the two-time College Football champion could be named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Obviously, it’s too soon to consider such a possibility, but so far so good.
Next: LeSean McCoy has new outlook after chat with Roger Goodell
What are you predicting for Ragland in the 2016 season? Do you think he will settle in right away, or do you expect him to struggle during his rookie campaign? Let us know in the comments section below.