It has been a few years since UND put out an NFL caliber player (WR Greg Hardin) but it appears they have one this year.
UND inside linebacker Will Ratelle has slowly gained steam each week since his Pro Day workout down at the University of Minnesota. By all accounts, and not surprisingly, Will crushed it and really made the scouts take a harder look at the kid from North Dakota.
Will Ratelle NFL Draft Profile
- 40 yard dash: 4.54
- Vertical Jump: 36 inches
- Bench Press: 36 reps (best among all LB’s)
- Broad Jump: 9′-10″
NFL’s Lance Zierline: “With as much twitch and downhill talent as many of the inside linebackers in this draft, Ratelle’s only glaring liability is his lack of length at a position that sometimes requires it.”
As the quote above stated, the major knock on Ratelle is his height, being only 5’10”. Therefore, the scouts are looking at all factors that may offset that height, like speed, quickness, mass, instincts, etc. He has them all. Sideline to sideline, brute strength in the hole – you name it he can do it.
Ratelle is currently ranked anywhere from the 12th to 15th best linebacker in the draft with fullback being a definite option for any team selecting him.
It appears Ratelle is currently a 6-7th round projection with undrafted free agent a real possibility as well. Either way, the humble, fearless leader of the UND defense just wants a shot and should get it.
—How do you know that Will has a good head on his shoulders? Here is a question from the interview linked above:
- With your first NFL paycheck what would you buy?
I would probably just use it on groceries.