2016 NFL Mock Draft: Holiday Update
By Jon Dove
September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Olamide Zaccheaus (33) runs the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-8)- Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
UCLA’s Myles Jack is an elite prospect who will spend the coming months recovering from a major knee injury. How his injury impacts his draft stock will be something we need to monitor throughout the draft process. However, he has rare talent that will help teams overlook this issue.
Jack is one of the most explosive players in this draft class. He’s a quick-twitch athlete capable of getting up to full speed in a hurry. This helps him make plays from sideline to sideline and close on the football. Jack separates himself from other linebacker prospects because of his coverage ability.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a handful of needs on both sides of the ball but they will have a hard time passing up on someone with Jack’s upside. He’d be a nice long-term replacement for the oft-injured Paul Posluszny.
A linebacking corps that features Jack and Telvin Smith would be the quickest in the NFL. Nobody would be able to attack the edge against this defense.
Jacksonville will need to look at available offensive tackle prospects in this draft. Luke Joeckel just hasn’t developed enough to guarantee a starting job next year. They’d love to see Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley to be available when they are on the clock.
Next: No. 10 Chicago