Myles Jack to the Jags at 5?

3/22/2016

An examination of Myles Jack and whether or not he makes sense for the Jaguars with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Jordan de Lugo

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Who Is This Guy?
Myles Jack is a former running back that became arguably the best linebacker in all of college football. He played 3 years at UCLA, mostly at linebacker, but he did carry the rock on offense for the Bruins when needed. Throughout his illustrious college career he was an award semi finalist several times and was certainly one of the most versatile players in the country. His junior season was cut short due to a significant knee injury that required surgery. He is now fully healed and ready to prove that he is one of the top players coming into the NFL this season.

Why He Doesn't Make Sense For The Jags
Myles Jack is a prototype will linebacker. He displays game changing speed, vision, and coverage ability. The problem is the Jaguars already have a will linebacker who appears to be on the cusp of becoming a true star in Telvin Smith. That means the Jaguars would have to move Myles Jack to a different position. He could easily be a great middle linebacker in the mold of a Luke Kuechly or NaVorro Bowman, but the Jaguars still have Paul Posluszny at middle linebacker and have showed no signs of being willing to move on from "The Poz". That leaves the Jaguars with only one more linebacker position, the OTTO or strong side linebacker. The OTTO is only on the field for 30 to 40% of the snaps and would not warrant a top five overall selection. So the Jaguars have a bit of a quandary with Jack and would certainly have to find creative ways to get him on the field.

Why He Does Make Sense For The Jags
Jack is likely the best linebacker to enter the draft since Luke Kuechly and will be an immediate impact player. He possesses good size at 6'1'' and 245 pounds, incredible speed and explosion, excellent coverage skills, above average instincts, and great pad level. He is able to pack a punch and often drives ball carriers backwards. Essentially Jack is the total package at linebacker and will make any team that drafts him a lot better. In college he played outside linebacker, middle linebacker, and even played nickel corner at times, excelling at every role he was asked to fill. If Jack is available at five and is the highest rated player on their board the Jaguars should take him and then find a way to implement him into the defense, whether it be by replacing Paul Posluszny or adjusting the OTTO position to see more playing time.

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