NFL Draft: Jaguars draft Myles Jack in second round
Former UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack finally heard his name called during round 2 of the NFL Draft after knee concerns saw him drop out of the first round.
Myles Jack was expected to be a top-five pick in the 2016 NFL Draft but as the draft crept closer there were whispers about him falling amid concerns over his surgically repaired knee.
Jack’s last season at UCLA was cut short due to a meniscus tear but he attacked his rehab with great intensity and enthusiasm and it appeared he would be healthy for the start of his rookie season. He didn’t participate in drills at the combine and didn’t run a 40 for NFL teams before the draft began, but that wasn’t the biggest reason for his fall.
There are concerns about the long-term health of his knee and Jack admitted as much on Wednesday when he said he may need microfracture surgery in the future. According to Dr. James Andrews, Jack doesn’t need the surgery, but that opinion is not a universal one shared by every team’s medical staff.
Dr. James Andrews, who examined Myles Jack in December, told the UCLA LB today that he does not need micro-fracture surgery.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2016
Jack attended the first round in Chicago and waited all night to hear his name to no avail, which is why he stayed in his hotel for the second day of the draft. It was a much longer wait than anticipated, but he finally heard his name called by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round with the No. 36 pick.
Myles Jack to the Jaguars. Special player. Covers as well as many cornerbacks. Wowed scouts with his talent. Hope he can stay healthy.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) April 29, 2016
Jack went two spots after Dallas took Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith who is expected to miss the 2016 season because of a knee injury.
Jacksonville traded up two spots to take Jack who I had mocked to them with the No. 5 pick in the first round until injury concerns put his stock in a state of uncertainty.
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With Jalen Ramsey in the first, Jack in the second and getting last year’s No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler, Jr who missed his rookie year to injury has the Jaguars suddenly on the cusp of a playoff spot.
Jack is easier to roll the dice on in the second round than the first, so even if he needs a knee surgery in the future, it’s not as reckless as it would have been fifth overall. This is a great pick.