Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Full 2016 seven-round mock draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1: LB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Reggie Ragland is one of my favorite prospects in this year’s class, and it would be hard for the Falcons to pass him up should he fall to No. 17. Ragland would fill a need on defense at linebacker, and his skill set would allow him to do a number of things in Dan Quinn’s defense.

First off, Ragland can excel against the run. He’s often referred to as an “old-school linebacker”. Ragland is a tough tackler, a thumper. Not only can he help suffocate opposing rushing attacks, he is also a talented pass rusher. And pass rush is something the Falcons are in desperate need of. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein believes he can help out right away in the NFL:

"“Thumping inside linebacker with throwback size and tone­setting mentality. Ragland is a confident and capable early starter in league who has the temperament to become one of the premier run­-stopping inside linebackers in the pro game. Ragland has some coverage and speed limitations, but his instincts and overall awareness should be able to mask those issues.”"

The only concern there is with his coverage limitations, but this is an area that can be developed under Quinn.

With his ability to help shut down the run, the Falcons could build off a strong year against the run by plugging Ragland into the unit. His ability to get after the quarterback also makes him an attractive option with the 17th overall pick, should he fall that far.

Next: Round 2