Where could UCLA linebacker/running back Myles Jack go in the 2016 NFL Draft?
Ah, the curious case of Myles Jack.
Jack came to UCLA as a highly-acclaimed four-star recruit (according to 247 Sports) out of Bellevue, Washington.
Not only is it safe to say that he met the lofty expectations put upon him, he shattered them and he will go down in Bruin lore.
Following an excellent career where — not including statistics from an injury-shortened 2015 season — he racked up 163 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries, he heads into the 2016 NFL Draft as the top linebacker in the class, but also a season-ending knee injury in 2015 hanging over him.
Would teams be willing to draft Jack because of his tremendous production and versatility despite the knee injury?
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His work on the field certainly speaks for himself, and he was excellent at linebacker, but also as a redzone running back and at times at safety.
Fortunately for Jack, due to a rehab process that is reportedly ahead of schedule he is still projected to be a top 10 pick in next weekend’s draft.
Sports Illustrated has Jack heading to San Francisco at number seven overall. He would surely fill a need for the 49ers, who are still reeling from the release of LB Aldon Smith and the retirement of fellow LB Patrick Willis.
Meanwhile, Walter Football has Jack heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fifth overall pick. Jack would certainly provide some youth to the Jaguars and would be one of the first pieces toward rebuilding them on the defensive side of the ball if he were to be drafted there.
So it looks as of now that Jack will surely be a first round pick and could very well go in the top 10, barring any late setbacks with his knee injury.
With that, I wish Myles Jack the best of luck in his NFL career, and thank you for continuing the tradition of The New Linebacker U!
Next: Sports Illustrated Has 3 Bruins Going in the First 3 Rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft
You can watch the NFL Draft from April 28-30 on ESPN.
Go Bruins!