"There is some stuff that I’ve still got to get used to because I’ve never played in a 4-3 before," he said, "but for the most part I’m getting there, taking my time with it, and I’m just asking all of the questions that I can ask because it’s different from being out there and then just being in the classroom and just learning it so I’m just taking my time."

First impressions of the defense that's going to be installed by new coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier have been favorable.

"Oh, it’s great," Ragland said. "It’s going to let the linebackers move around and eat so I like it a lot."

The question is, how will he fit?

The scenario floated most often is that Ragland will compete with Preston Brown for the starting job at middle linebacker.

"I'm a competitor, and I know Preston, he's a competitor, too," Ragland said. "I just got to come out and keep working hard the way he does day in and day out, because he's a very good player and a very smart player. I've got to keep making sure that when I get a chance to get back on the field, that' I'm on my game."