What to do with UCLA’s Myles Jack?

UCLA’s Myles Jack is one of the most explosive athletes in all of college football. He’s the type of player who immediately jumps off the screen because he’s making plays all over the field. However, his less than ideal size makes it difficult to project his best position at the next level.

Jack is listed at 6’1” 232 pounds which limits his ability to take on blocks and hold at the point of attack. At UCLA, he has been able to make plays despite this issue because he’s such a superior athlete. This won’t be the case in the NFL as he’ll often have to deal with offensive lineman at the second level.

His situation is very similar to that of Shaq Thompson who was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2015 draft. Thompson’s success or struggles will have an impact on how teams evaluate Jack as a potential NFL linebacker. This article by Bleacher Report’s Curt Popejoy breaks down the questions Thompson dealt with because of his size concerns.

Despite the question marks surrounding his size, Jack has a chance to develop into an elite playmaker. He has the speed and burst to make plays in the backfield, behind the line of scrimmage and in coverage.

The keys to his success as a run defender are quickness, instincts and a non-stop motor. This is a player who trusts his reads and explodes towards the ball carrier. He can truly make plays from sideline to sideline.

Jack is an elite pass defender capable of holding up in man coverage versus running backs and tight ends. UCLA will even line him up in the slot against wide receivers where he’s able to hold his own. This is what makes Jack such an intriguing prospect because he’s extremely versatile and a true four-down linebacker.

He’ll be a highly discussed prospect because he’s talented enough to be a top-10 pick. This is why the questions about his position and whether or not he can hold up with less than ideal size are polarizing. Teams are willing to take risk on a player like this in the later rounds but how many will be willing to pull the trigger on Jack early in the first round?

From what I’ve seen of him so far, I firmly believe that Jack will be able overcome his size limitations to have an impactful NFL career.

I also want to point out that I don’t feel his best position moving forward is running back. This is a special defensive talent.