NFL Mock Draft 2016: Tennessee throws a curve ball

14. player. 28. <p>The Raiders made significant additions to their defense during the free agency period, but they are not quite “set” at this stage. Oakland picked up a real starting cornerback in Sean Smith and a legitimate pass-rushing complement to Khalil Mack in Bruce Irvin, but the Raiders still need help at linebacker, particularly in the form of a sure tackler that can eat up the opposition in the middle of the field.</p> <p>Doesn’t that sound like Reggie Ragland?</p> <p>Everything that Ragland put on tape while playing under Nick Saban at Alabama was encouraging, and he was the best player on that renowned college defense in my mind. The issue, though, is that teams have been scared off by his lack of elite athleticism and, in general, pure middle linebackers have been devalued in today’s NFL.</p> <p>However, Ragland actually ran a quality 40-yard dash time (4.72) and you can’t teach the type of tackling ability and ball-hawking that he brings to the table. Oakland would not be swinging for the fences in any way, shape or form with this pick, but it would be difficult to envision a safer choice. For good measure, Ragland’s best attributes line up perfectly with what the Raiders need right now.</p>. LB. Alabama. Reggie Ragland