Buffalo Bills: 4 reasons to be excited about training camp
By Connor Price
2. Reggie Ragland and the Linebacker Position
The photo above showcases Alabama standout, Reggie Ragland, knock a ball out of Georgia’s Malcolm Mitchell’s hands. Mitchell just played a pivotal role in New England’s latest super bowl win, and Ragland is gearing up for his first healthy NFL season.
The linebacker position is on of the strong points on this Buffalo Bills’ team. Ragland hopes to make a huge impact and his name has a nice ring to it. He could elevate the defense this season if he performs as well as he did pre-injury.
Buffalobills.com documented the linebacker position as the best position battle in training camp.
Here is what they had to say:
"“In minicamp, the starters were Ramon Humber, Preston Brown and Lorenzo Alexander. Humber has played in the NFL for nine seasons, this being his second with the Bills. Brown is entering his fourth season with the Bills, and has been a starter for much of his time in Buffalo. Alexander was a surprising contributor for the Bills last season at outside linebacker, recording 12.5 sacks.”"
The young players will help push the seasoned veterans. The vets will have a step ahead on the rookies, and that is a good thing. Having a player be your mentor helps physically and mentally. There are many players that Hughes and Ragland will be able to go to for help.
Gerald Hodges is a new addition this season. Hodges played for the 49ers last year and excelled when covering receivers and runningbacks. He will be a valuable addition to the team, especially on second and third & longs.