Pros & Cons Of Drafting Reggie Ragland
Ragland’s pros and cons: the receiver will make the catch, but get punished for it.
The Pros & Cons Of Drafting Ragland: does his run stopping equal his coverage?
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, the picture above demonstrates the apparent pros and cons of the Miami Dolphins drafting Middle Linebacker Reggie Ragland.
Ragland is not a flashy player, but there is no doubt that he is an NFL ready middle linebacker that can be a day 1 starter. Many football gambling fans feel that Ragland is the best run stopping linebacker in the entire draft. And for a team like Miami that has struggled desperately against the run, he could be the perfect answer.
Last season, Ragland was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year, with 102 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 7 passes defended. He is a middle linebacker that is not only very good at the run, but he has ability to rush the QB, and to a lesser extent defend in pass coverage. The knock on Ragland is that he has less than elite athleticism and playing weight.
I know that we just signed Kiko Alonso to be our middle linebacker, but he has failed to successfully complete an NFL season since 2013, and there is no guarantee that he can recover his Rookie year form. In addition, our other starting linebacker, Koa Misi, is even more injury prone, having only successfully completed one NFL season and that was in his Rookie year of 2010.
Miami needs a MLB that doesn’t come off the field. Is Ragland that kind of player?
Miami must be keeping a close eye on this position because the future has Jelani Jenkins becoming a unrestricted free agents next year and Kiko Alonzo the year after that. Koa Misi will be have a $6.5 million dollar cap hit next season, which may be more than the Dolphins are willing to pay for an aging often injured Linebacker. Since each of these players have failed to be consistent throughout their careers, Miami needs to be prepared to move along without them, and Ragland might be one way they are eyeing for that direction.
The key is, can he be a three down back? His run stopping will pay certain dividends against the Jets and Bills. But, the Patriots and other top teams can force him off the field or trap him there in the Hurry Up or No Huddle and victimize him if he is a coverage liability. I say no way should he be the pick at #13, unless he can play the nickel. And I am even skeptical of drafting a part time player if Miami trades back. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about the Dolphins possibly selecting Ragland in the first round?
Why the Fins should trade out if Hargreaves or Elliot not there? More picks
Then take your O/T or OLB in the later 1st round?
1. Fins cannot go wrong with any of the top 5 ILB.
I would prefer Tyler Matakevich ILB 3 he is about 3rd to 4th rounder.
I like his toughness & leadership.
I think *Scooby Wright III is a good fit also. He scope the entire field not having tunnel vision? Not one dimensional ILB.
Also linebackers Undrafted Free Agents maybe?
1. Reggie Northrup, Sr., Florida State
2. Joe Walker Oregon Sr.
3. Steven Daniels Boston College Sr.
4. Brandon Chubbs Wake Forest Sr.
5. Josh Forrest Kentucky Sr. 6’3
DolFans
Maybe I’m wrong but I’ve yet to see anyone better than Elliot and Hargreaves!
Apple I believed is very good but maybe A second Rounder? Artie Burns has more play making stats?
Artie Burns, Miami, 6-0, 193
Right Move? A pickoff playmaker, he came up with six interceptions and 36 tackles on the year. With good size and lightning speed, he’s going to destroy the combine. He could hover around a 4.2 40 and be the talk of the offseason process on tools and upside.
Projection: Second Round
If we missed in the 1st and second round for Corners we can try again in the 4th round?
Xavien Howard, Baylor, 6-2, 201
Right Move? Terrific in the Bear secondary, Howard came up with 42 tackles with five interceptions in a season showing he’s ready to make the jump to the next level. More of a safety than a true corner as a pro, he has the bulk and size but he’s likely going to be a midrange runner throughout the workout process. He’ll make a whale of a free safety.
Projection: Fourth Round
Damontae Kazee, San Diego State, 5-11, 185
Right Move? The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year with a ball-hawking eight interceptions to go along with 75 tackles. Quick enough to work as a kick or punt returner, and nasty for his size coming up with stops against the run, he’s a baller who goes beyond the measurable. The Combine probably isn’t going to be kind, but he’ll stick in a secondary.
Projection: Fourth Round
Rashard Robinson, LSU, 6-2, 180
Right Move? On talent he’s one of the 50 best players in the draft, but off-the-field issues should bounce him deep into the mid-rounds. There’s also the issue of playing time – he hasn’t played in a while. He saw time in his first two years but missed last year after being suspended from the team at the end of 2014 and never got back on. If he blows up the offseason workout circuit, he’ll be one of the most interesting defensive prospects.
Projection: Fourth Round
1st Rounder this is why he is worth the 13th picked:
Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida, 5-11, 199
Right Move? Jalen Ramsey is probably the best defensive back in the draft, and there are several other excellent corners this year, but it’s Hargreaves who has the shutdown IT factor with the quickness, speed, and big-time attitude to be something special. He’ll tackle, he’ll take on the big assignment, and he’ll play up to every challenge.
Projection: First Round
http://collegefootballnews.com/2016/2016-nfl-draft-underclassmen-early-entries-cornerbacks
Thing I’m hearing about Apple is he is undisciplined and a bit of a headcase…if he was a superior talent or taken late okay…but, not with the first.
Optimist View (Glass half full) of the ’16 season:
Week 1 @ Seattle: LOSS, 0-1
Not only a road game in Seattle, but the home opener to boot. I’m seeing an improved Miami team but the results may have to wait till week 3.
Week 2 @ Pats: LOSS, 0-2
Praying that Brady’s suspension is finally applied this season, big break. Could change should the league gets to suspend Brady after all (finger crossed :))
Week 3 Clev: WIN, 1-2
Home opener in the newly renovated stadium, new coaching staff following 2 tough road games.
Week 4 @ Cincy: WIN, 2-2
Miami has always fared well in Cincy over the years, trend continues.
Week 5 BYE. Always, Always have an early bye, WTF, how about a week 10/11 bye one time.
Week 6 Tennesse: WIN, 3-2
Tennessee coming in w all the new toys (several, several draft picks) and second straight road game, catch them at the right time.
Week 7 Steelers: WIN, 4-2
The Steelers at home, first road for Pitt in a month, new head coach makes a difference here, shoot out that Gase and company come out on top of.
Week 8 Bills: WIN, 5-2
The Bills swept us last year, time to return the favor, Bills first road game in a month also.
Week 9 Jets, WIN 6-2
Jets have a 4 out of 5 game road stretch, and this is the forth, such as Buffalo, Jets swept Miami last year, time to return the favor.
Week 10 @ Chargers, LOSS 6-3
Prior to last season Miami has owned San Diego in San Diego, must get back to that trend.
Week 11 @ Rams, WIN 7-3
Second straight trip to Cali, they get a split here w Rams rookie QB.
Week 12 49ers, WIN 8-3
49ers just to green for this trip (hopefully).
Week 13 @ Ravens, LOSS 8-4
Ravens have owned Miami recently, like to think this is going to change w new staff, until it happens = loss.
Week 14 Cardinals, LOSS 8-5
Miami hasn’t had a perfect record at home in forever. Miami focusing on the 3 divisional games upcoming.
Week 15 Jets, WIN 9-5
This is the year Miami finally has a winning record in the AFC East, sweeping the Jets and Bills while splitting w the Pats.
Week 16 Bills, WIN 10-5
See above.
Week 17 Pats, WIN 11-5
Miami usually fares well vs the Pats especially at home.
Playoffs!!! Optimistic outlook for ’16, yea my glass is half full, half full of what, I don’t know!
Dunner
Realistic analysis Dolphins game results. I’m not sure a win against big Ben and his crew?, Not sure the fins can beat Rex Ryan and his Bills, Cardinals I think may be a better overall team. With me its base on last 4 years performance.
Considering the Fins have a defense that can stop there opponents and the offense is not one dimensional pass only offense 1,2,3 punt on the Bench?
Dunner
Northrup is recovering from injury and I believe a hidden Gem. Definitely someone the Fins need to bring to camp as a undrafted free agent? I Believed in the long run will pay off dividends.
Northrup, who was listed at 6-foot-1 and 231 pounds last year, said he is willing to play middle or weak-side linebacker. Really, he’ll do anything to earn a job in the NFL.
“I’m ready to play,” he said. “I just want to get on a team and perform, go into camp and show them what I can do.”
Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher believes his former player can carve a niche somewhere (likely on special teams early in his career) because of his willingness to work and ability
to sniff out plays.
“You see a toughness [in Northrup],” Fisher said. “You see an old-school linebacker, and what I mean by that, a downhill, physical, hit-you-in-the-mouth guy.”
Hey, just put up a Jimmy/ admin mash up on the schedule…and I thought I was optimistic!!! Thanks Dunner and Steve for the tons of takes on all things Fins!!
NO problem Admin/Jimmy!
Northrup Sr. Could be a Gem not Drafted due to injury also Goodson.
Reggie Northrup, Sr., Florida State, 60/150 Votes…Northrup leads Florida State in tackles for the second consecutive season with 87 stops, while also contributing 1.0 TFL, three pass breakups and five hurries. Despite suffering an ACL injury in the 2015 Rose Bowl, Northrup came back strong to lead the heart of FSU’s defense and captured All-ACC honors for the second straight year. – Florida State Football
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B.J. Goodson and Ben Boulware are Clemson’s top two tacklers in 2015 with 118 and 116, respectively. Goodson’s total includes 15 tackles for loss, while Boulware has seven. Goodson is second on the squad with 5.5 sacks, while Boulware is third with six pass breakups. – Clemson Football
13th pick is not Elliot RB or Vernon Hargreaves III, CB are the only two players that checks all the blocks. If they are not on the Board this the question the Dolphins should ask?reached at these 3 round for players?
How much will you trade the Dolphins for the 13th, 43rd and 71 picks?
Because the Fins will over
The 13th pick A player must be able to check all blocks. If no trade out?
I like Ragland but there are maybe 6 other ILB who are good up the middle but they all like Defending TE in the passing game. We need A linebacker who will lead the Dolphins defense and will be the Big Bully etc. for the Dolphins. That’s A must?
Lee I would prefer since covering passes will be a great task for the Dolphins?
Even with defensive linemen Ndamukong Suh and Olivier Vernon often drawing multiple blockers, Miami’s linebackers struggled to make big plays a year ago. Lee remains a bit raw after leaving Ohio State as just a redshirt sophomore but his talent is obvious. A former quarterback and safety, Lee combines a unique perspective on coverage with outstanding athleticism, including closing speed and explosiveness as a hitter.
This may not affect the Fins!
Los Angeles traded the No. 15 overall pick in this draft, two second-round picks (No. 43 overall and No. 45 overall) and a fourth-round pick (No. 114 overall). The Rams also gave up their No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Rams also receive a fourth-round pick (No. 113 overall) and sixth-round pick (No. 177 overall) in 2016.
“Being able to acquire six players in the top 76 this year, along with next year when you factor that into it — I am assuming five in the top three rounds — that is 11 players that we can add to this football team that should not only increase our depth, but give us good quality players at all those positions,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said in a statement.
Yeah, nuts huh?! Fish will be fired soon. I think though it may cause a run on QB’s early and will push back talent to 13#. Unfortunately, it might make a very good player fall to #8 and that could start putting alot of pressure on Tannenbaum to do very well.
Admin/Jimmy
The Miami Dolphins have had 5 Super Bowl Appearances and has Won two of them.
Listed are the 9 Dolphins who are in the Hall of Fame and the Best Dolphins drafted in Round 1,2,3, 4th and 5th round.
1983 (No. 27 overall) Dan Marino —
1968 (No. 8 overall) Csonka was the bell-cow back on Shula’s teams
1980 (No. 48 overall)Dwight Stephenson — Shula found center Dwight Stephenson in the second round
1997 (No. 73 overall) Jason Taylor The best Dolphins pick in Round 3: DE Jason Taylor (1997
1996 (No. 154 overall) fifth-round Zach Thomas –flyer on undersized LB Zach Thomas
Paul Warfield from Ohio State was traded to the Fins for a Draft pick by Cleveland Browns. 1970
Nick Buoniconti was drafted by the Boston Patriots and traded to the Fin
Jim Langer played line backer with South Dakota State University, Cut by the Cleveland Browns pick up by the Dolphins played Center about 6 years with Fins etc.
Paul Warfield Larry Csonka Jim Langer
Inducted 1983 Inducted 1987 Inducted 1987
Bob Griese Larry Little Don Shula
Inducted 1990 Inducted 1993 Inducted 1997
Dwight Stephenson Nick Buoniconti Dan Marino
Inducted 1998 Inducted 2001 Inducted 2005
The Dolphins have two Center’s in the Hall of Fame? Maybe this our Clue to Draft in the 3rd Round (Nick Martin Center in this 2016 Draft). Compares To: Alex Mack, Browns: Like Mack, Martin isn’t a truly explosive athlete but his functional power, awareness and technique could make him the leader of an offensive line for a decade.