It sounds a little silly at first, the notion that a college player good enough to play in the NFL at his position would consider switching to another position at the pro level. But some are so talented and athletic that a move is natural, and in fact some have played multiple positions throughout their college career.
Both offensive and defensive lines, as well as linebacker, are positions commonly interchangeable if the athlete is versatile enough to make the change.
With that in mind, here are five SEC players in the 2016 draft who could make the switch to different positions in the NFL:
1. Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
Ragland was a team-leader who recorded a team-high 102 tackles, earned the SEC Defensive Player of the Year Award and won a national title.
But he started his career at Alabama as an outside linebacker. And he could move back, at least in certain situations if not permanently. The 6-foot-2, 252-pounder garnered some attention when he worked out as an outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl.
“I just want to show that I can cover and rush the passer,” Ragland said at his Senior Bowl press conference. “I want to show that I can do multiple things at the next level. I know I can play inside, but I want to be able to show that I can play outside too. If a guy goes down, I want to show I can go out there and play it too and not miss a beat.”
Alabama head coach Nick Saban is sold on that idea as well.
“He’s got a lot of diversity as a player,” Saban told NFL.com. “The fact that he played inside ‘backer for us — he was an outside ‘backer to start with in his career and he did some pass rushing. So I’m sure it intrigues especially 3-4 (defenses) to see him play outside. I think the more diversity you have, the more value you have.”
If that’s the case then Ragland’s value is off the charts. He’s strong and plays with an intimidating physicality. He’s a player whose mental game is just as good. He reads the game at a high level and projects well at either inside or outside linebacker.
2. Vadal Alexander, OT, LSU
About as physical a player as there is on any line, at 6-6, 329, he has the size and strength to ward off any defender. Moved back outside to tackle his senior season, a position he excelled in as a freshman. In between time he played two years at left guard. At either position Alexander is a driving force, dominating the opposition with a combination of strength and quickness.
3. Germain Ifedi, OT, Texas A&M
Another big, strong offensive lineman who has played multiple positions. At 6-6, 335, Ifedi has excelled at left guard as well as both tackle spots. Strength, agility, and good hands make him an extremely attractive NFL prospect. Don’t be surprised to hear his name called early in this year’s draft to protect the blindside. But Ifedi has the tools to excel at guard or tackle.
4. Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
A big linebacker (6-4, 231), Floyd harassed opposing quarterbacks last season. He recorded 72 tackles, including 10.5 for loss. Floyd turned in 4.5 sacks in 2015, the third consecutive year he led the Bulldogs in getting to the quarterback.
His quick burst and long reach made him a menace to opposing offensive lines. Don’t be surprised to see him bulk up in the NFL and put his hand in the ground and wreak havoc off the edge at defensive end.
5. Robert Nkemdiche, DT, Ole Miss
At 6-4, 296, Nkemdiche is an imposing figure in the middle of the line. That’s where he did damage at the college level. But his athleticism makes him a candidate to play off the edge as well at defensive end.
That potential move could be influenced by which NFL team drafts him, its needs and whether its base is a 4-3 or 3-4. But there’s no denying that athletically speaking, Nkemdiche could handle that role even if only in certain situations.
Glenn Sattell is an award-winning freelance writer for Saturday Down South.
