PHL Anon
The Super Bowl is done, it’s officially the NFL offseason, and it’s time to dig deep into the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft (April 28th-30th in Chicago). This is an exciting time, as we start to see how our new head coach is going to value talent, and the future direction of our team.
The Eagles have needs mostly on the O-Line, future at QB, Secondary, and Wide Receiver. However, if you hold true to the concept of drafting the best player available, we may not be filling any of those needs in the first round. I know this will concern some of you. Anger some of you. While others may let it sink in and see this for what it is… Improving the team regardless of the position.
Last night we saw Denver LB, Von Miller, dominate the game, and go on to win Super Bowl MVP honors. Well, the Eagles may have the opportunity to get a LB that is just as exciting, fits the 4-3 scheme, and could become a monster for years to come. Who is this you ask?
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
6’1″ 240 lbs
STRENGTHS: Even on a team full of NFL prospects, Jack’s pure athleticism stands out. Compactly-built with good overall musculature, light feet, a fluid turning motion and natural ball-skills, he could make the full-time switch to running back and earn early-round consideration. Given his impact ability on defense, however, teams may hesitate to do that.
Jack is well-suited to today’s pass-happy NFL as he combines rare agility and speed with awareness in coverage. He has the fluidity to cover backs and tight ends step for step and anticipates routes well, breaking free from his assignment to close quickly on the ball. Jack’s ability in coverage make him ideally suited to playing outside in a 4-3 scheme, where his lack of ideal size is mitigated.
Jack’s burst and agility make him an effective edge rusher and he doesn’t shy from contact. He shows an explosive pop on contact to break free from would-be blockers. The hand-eye coordination that makes him so effective in breaking up passes shows up in his tackling, as well, as Jack is consistently able to trip up smaller, quicker ballcarriers. Breaks down well and wraps securely for the reliable take-down with little to no yardage allowed after contact.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size at linebacker. Does not possess ideal length and can get caught up in the wash. Not an explosive hitter. Will need to prove the health of his season-ending knee injury that required surgery and will be limited in his ability to impress scouts on the field during the pre-draft period.
OUTLOOK: Suffered a knee injury in September which required season-ending surgery, Jack nonetheless projects as a top 15 pick, boasting perhaps the country’s-best combination of instincts and athleticism. Unprecedented as the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013, Jack has the vision, agility and speed to star at running back if he wanted to return to that position but is even more valuable on the defensive side of the ball, where he’s a true three-down linebacker and future Pro Bowler.
Might project better at safety in the NFL THAN linebacker the only linebacker position he might be able to work with is weakside but seems poised to be a safety in the NFL