March 12--While the Chicago Bears remain active in the market for inside linebackers, they took a close look at one of the best prospects at the position in a draft that overall is thin.
An NFL source told the Tribune that the Bears put Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland through a private workout on Friday. The Crimson Tide conducted their pro day on Thursday. The Bears signed Danny Trevathan to play inside linebacker on Wednesday and are considering re-signing Shea McClellin while they host Jerrell Freeman of the Indianapolis Colts on a visit Friday.
The 6-foot-1, 247-pound Ragland was the SEC defensive player of the year. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.72 seconds at the scouting combine last month, but scouts don't believe that he plays slow. He's bigger than most linebackers and would project inside for a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense.
Ragland led the Tide with 97 tackles and added 6 1/2 tackles for loss this past season while breaking up six passes. Some project him as a first-round draft pick while others believe he could fall into the second round.
bmbiggs@tribpub.com
