Buffalo Bills: What can we expect from Reggie Ragland in 2017?

After missing his entire rookie season due to ACL surgery, Reggie Ragland will need to learn a new scheme in order to have an impact with the Buffalo Bills in the upcoming campaign.

Buffalo Bills‘ fans probably couldn’t believe their luck, when the team selected Reggie Ragland last year. Projected to go in the first round, the Bills managed to snag him with the 41st overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Yes, medical exams before the draft found Ragland had an enlarged aorta, which resulted in him falling down the board with several teams. However, it was not expected to compromise his playing career, and he was still a first round talent expected to contribute from day one.

Of course, this is the Bills, so things aren’t meant to run smoothly for the franchise. Pegged to be a starter by former general manager Doug Whaley, the 23-year old tore a ACL in his left knee during training camp, resulting in him missing the entire 2016 season.

Now here we are, nearly 10 months later, wondering what kind of impact Ragland can have in the NFL? How has the injury affected a player, who was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year after his final season with the Crimson Tide?

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The good news is the Huntsville, Alabama native was back on the field for the first week of OTAs, participating in individual activities. He isn’t yet taking part in 11-on-11 drills, but is expected to be healthy for training camp.

While it’s all speculation at this stage, how much is Ragland expected to contribute during the 2017 campaign? As is usually the case in professional sports, opinion is split.

According to Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News, it remains to be seen if the 2015 Unanimous All-American can adapt to Sean McDermott’s 4-3 defensive scheme, with him being more experienced in a 3-4. However, the Bills’ new head coach recently told ESPN‘s Mike Rodak he envisions Ragland as his starting middle linebacker.

Of course, you could argue that McDermott has to say that. Regardless, Ragland can expect competition from Preston Brown for playing time in the middle. (He could potentially also line up as an outside linebacker, although this is debatable.)

Coming out of college, the two-time First-team All-Sec selection was repeatedly referred to as a throwback to the old days, in respect of his size and mentality as a linebacker. And while questions remains about his overall athletic ability, his instincts and awareness could be just what the Bills need, as they look to overcome the indiscipline of the Rex Ryan regime.

At the very least, there is any excellent chance Ragland can become a top-level run-stuffer who contributes on the first two downs. The question is if he can become an every-down player, with some concerns about his speed and man coverage?

Overall, whatever happens, you shouldn’t doubt the three-time SEC champion’s desire or commitment. Speaking recently to Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News, he said:

"“Like I told the coaches, I’ll do whatever they need me to do to get on the field. If I got to do that, I’ll do that. I’m a competitor. I love this game. I love to play and just because I got to slide over, it’s not going to stop me from working my tail off every day.”"

Next: Will Cordy Glenn be healthy for the 2017 season?

What kind are impact are you predicting from Ragland in 2017? Do you see him as a starter, or will he struggle to adapt to a new position and scheme for the Bills? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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