Reggie Ragland believes he could be a match for the Green Bay Packers.
And for a player who grew up with a liking for the Packers, that would be just fine with the former Alabama linebacker, who is expected to be a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Ragland gathered that Green Bay regards him highly from his meeting with the club at the Reese's Senior Bowl last month.
"I did meet with them, and they talked to me about that they needed a linebacker on the inside," said Ragland, per 247Sports. "And if they had the opportunity, I think they would. But I'm not sure. It all depends when draft day comes."
NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein has identified inside linebacker as the Packers' primary draft need, and Ragland said the club expressed to him an interest moving veteran Clay Matthews back to outside linebacker. A reliable solution at inside linebacker would create the flexibility needed to do so, and as a two-year starter and signal-caller for one of college football's elite defenses, Ragland is nothing if not reliable. The Packers, for their part, have invested a high pick in an Alabama player in two of the last three drafts (DB Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, RB Eddie Lacy).
NFL Media draft expert Mike Mayock has projected Ragland as a top-20 pick, and his availability to Green Bay when it picks at No. 27 overall is questionable. If the Packers are intent on acquiring the 6-foot-2, 255-pound middle linebacker, a trade-up could be necessary to make it happen.
"It would mean a lot to me," Ragland said of a potential trade-up.
And a lot to the Green Bay defense, as well.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
