2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Frank Ragnow





  • Frank Ragnow, 6-4/307

  • Center

  • Arkansas


  • Frank Ragnow Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Effective run blocker
  • Dependable pass protector
  • Very good at pulling
  • Agile to pull
  • Takes good angles
  • Plays with good leverage
  • Functions well in space
  • Quick to the second level
  • Blocks through the whistle
  • Holds up against big nose tackles
  • Has a strong base
  • Above-average athlete
  • Adjusts well to blitzes, stunts and games
  • Technician
  • Sustains blocks
  • Good hand placement
  • Good knee bend
  • Can play guard or center
  • Can handle speed
  • Recoverability
  • Awareness
  • Intelligent
  • Experienced and effective against elite competition




  • Weaknesses:
  • Ankle injury cost him games, Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine
  • Above-average, but not elite, athlete
  • Not overly powerful


  • Summary: I wrote the following back in July, 2017, “Ragnow could be in the running to be one of the top center prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft. Over the past two seasons, he hasn’t allowed a single sack while taking on excellent competition. As one can expect coming from Arkansas, Ragnow is also a tough run blocker. He is a technician who enters his senior year having made 26 straight starts. As a sophomore, Ragnow was the Razorbacks’ starter at right guard. He has the size to be a guard or center in the NFL.”

    Ragnow’s senior year didn’t go as planned, with a high ankle sprain ending his season early and keeping him from participating in the Senior Bowl. WalterFootball.com was first to report that Ragnow would also miss the NFL Scouting Combine. Missing out on those games and events put Ragnow under the radar during the draft season, but a late rise has pushed him into being a projected first-round pick. Considering his steady and effective play against the top competition in college football, it isn’t that surprising that Ragnow has emerged as a candidate to be selected on Thursday night of the 2018 NFL Draft.



    Ragnow is very good as an interior pass protector. He has enough strength in his base to hold up against bull rushes with the agility and quickness to glide with speed rushers. With his quick feet and agility, Ragnow gets in position while using his technique to maintain blocks. He sustains his blocks and second efforts don’t work against him.

    Ragnow is an effective blocker in the ground game. He takes good angles on defenders, sustains his blocks, and has strong hands. Ragnow is very good at pulling and looping around the edge. He is quick to the second level and is adept at hitting blocks in space. Ragnow is a tough blocker who pushes defenders around the field and keeps fighting through the whistle. Early in his NFL career, Ragnow should be an asset as a run blocker.

    Bringing more value to his NFL team is Ragnow’s versatility. He can play left guard, right guard, or center in the pro game. In the 2018 NFL Draft, Ragnow looks likely to be a late first-round or early second-round pick.





    Player Comparison: Nick Mangold. Ragnow remains me of Mangold, and that is a real compliment to Ragnow. Over his career, Mangold was one of the best centers in the NFL. Mangold (6-4, 307) and Ragnow are identical in size with similar quickness and athleticism that give them special skill sets. In the 2006 NFL Draft, Mangold was the 29th overall-pick, and Ragnow could go in the same region in the 2018 NFL Draft. Ragnow could have a long solid NFL career like Mangold had with the Jets.

    NFL Matches: NFL Matches: Detroit, Buffalo, Cincinnati, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Washington and Tennessee

    There are a lot of teams that could consider an upgrade at either center or guard late in the first round and early in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. The Lions could consider adding Ragnow in the range, but he might be a reach in the top 20. If Detroit trades down, however, Ragnow could make sense to help improve the team’s rushing offense and pass protection.

    The Bengals could use a center upgrade, and Ragnow could get consideration for Cincinnati in the first round. Buffalo lost Eric Wood to retirement, and Ragnow could make sense for the Bills’ second selection of the first round if it isn’t used in a package to trade up.

    Tennessee needs an improvement over Ben Jones at center, where Ragnow could be a great fit. However, the Titans will probably address other needs in the first round, and it is extremely unlikely that Ragnow will make it to their second-round pick.

    The Giants lost Weston Richburg in free agency, and if they don’t feel Brett Jones is the long-term answer, they could consider Ragnow on Day 2. Washington also could use interior offensive line help and a starting guard. Ragnow would be a great fit for the Redskins but he probably won’t make it to their second-round pick.

    Denver appears like one of the favorites to take Quenton Nelson in the first round, but if the organization trades down, it could target Ragnow in the first or second round. Similarly, Tampa Bay could take Quenton Nelson if he gets to its first-round pick. If the Bucs miss out on Nelson, Ragnow could be in play for them on Friday night.

    Miami has a huge need at guard and would be fortunate if Ragnow made it to its second-round pick. That could be an easy choice for the Dolphins in Round 2.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2018 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2018 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2018 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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