2016 NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Surprise at Number Nine

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

player. 46. . LB. Alabama. Reggie Ragland. 18

If the Colts are going to grab a top offensive tackle in the draft they are going to have to trade up to get him.

Jason Spriggs and Germain Ifedi are good prospects, but not at 18th overall.  So if Indianapolis can’t bolster their offensive line, then they need to strengthen their defense.

The best defensive player available also happens to fill a need for the Colts.  Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland manned the middle of the defense in Alabama and was absolutely critical in their National Championship campaign.

He won’t keep Andrew Luck clean in the pocket, but he’ll help reduce the amount of points he needs to put up to produce a win.

Previously:  Reggie Ragland – LB – Alabama

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