Reggie Ragland: Buffalo Bills’ 2017 Player Profile

Reggie Ragland will finally see NFL action in 2017 after missing his rookie campaign to a torn ACL. BuffaLowDown gives the run-down.

Most Buffalo Bills’ fans were excited when the team drafted Reggie Ragland in the second round last season, with many thinking he could be a steal in the draft. Although that hasn’t been ruled out of question yet, the reasoning is because we haven’t exactly seen what he can do at the NFL level.

Reggie Ragland’s rookie season came to an end before it began last year. Among all the other injuries the team was suffering at the time, Ragland tore his ACL and never saw any action last season.

It was the unfortunate injury that paved the way for Zach Brown’s Pro Bowl season. If the Bills didn’t have Brown patiently waiting behind Ragland, Buffalo’s defense would’ve been that much worse last year. Of course, with Brown off to Washington, his loss is Ragland’s gain.

The coaching staff seemed to like the idea of keeping Ragland over keeping Brown, which shows they have a lot of faith in what he can do. Many are doubting his ability to be a middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense, but Ragland has been open to proving he can play anywhere.

That type of attitude won’t just win you over with the coaches and teammates, but it will eventually be the reason he is able to play anywhere. It’s amazing how far confidence in yourself can take you.

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Personally, I can’t wait to see Ragland in training camp and preseason to see how NFL ready he is following the injury.

Reggie Ragland Profile

Position: LB

Number: 59

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 252 lbs.

Age: 23 years old

College: Alabama

Drafted: 2nd Round, 41st (2016 by BUF)

Current Contract: 4-year, $5.841 million

2017 Base Salary: $715,517

2017 Cap Hit: $1.328 million

2015 Stats (ALA): 15 games, 102 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 6.5 for loss, 2 forced fumbles

2014 Stats (ALA): 13 games, 93 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 10.5 for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT, 3 fumble recoveries

Career Stats (4 yrs): 40 games, 220 tackles, 4 sacks, 17.5 for loss, 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, one INT

2017 Prediction: 14 games, 96 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 12 for loss, 2 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery

2016 Combine Results

40-Yard Dash: 4.72 seconds

Vertical Jump: 31.5 inches

Broad Jump: 116 inches

3-Cone Drill: 6.94 seconds

20-Yard Shuttle: 4.28 seconds

Recent Quote (on injury last season)

"“Coming to the pros with some great guys like LeSean McCoy and Richie [Incognito], and the GM and everybody has you pegged to start then you get out there and you’re playing and that happens, it’s very tough,” Ragland said. “But I know it happened for a reason.”"