The Jaguars didn’t go into the second round of the Draft expecting Myles Jack to still be an option for them. That is exactly why Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell traded up to snag the UCLA linebacker with the No. 36 overall selection. Jack was considered a top 10 pick going into the Draft but fell out of the first round Thursday as teams were reportedly scared off by concerns about his injured right knee.
Jack tore his meniscus last September missing most of his 2015 junior season. He was unable to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine and participated only on a limited basis at UCLA’s pro day. However, he was still considered a high pick until he made a damaging admission to the New York Post earlier this week.
“Down the line, possibly, I could have microfracture surgery, potentially,” he told the Post. “Who knows what will happen? Nobody knows how long anybody is going to play in this league. To play three years in this league would be above average.”
Luckily for Jack, this news didn’t stop the Jaguars from taking a chance on him. The Jaguars examined his knee and worked him out a few weeks before the draft, and seem to have faith in his ability to fully recover. “We make calculated decisions and this is one where we felt like the risk was worth the reward,” stated Caldwell in his press conference with media.
Caldwell also said, “we’ve reached a point as an organization where we feel it’s time to take some risks and not be conservative. There’s risk with any player, and we feel he’s the right pick.”
According to sources, the Jaguars debated whether to take Myles Jack or Jalen Ramsey with the fifth pick in the first round. Ironically, they ended up with both players on their roster. The addition of Ramsey and Jack means the Jaguars now have the most elite talent in this year’s Draft. They’ve also filled two key positions on their up-and-coming defense.
In Jack’s conference call with media, he said, “I definitely wanted to go to Jacksonville. It’s just the ideal place I really wanted to go.”
Duval, this is where I wanted to go. I’m ready to WORK. #MOREJAX
— Myles Jack (@MylesJack) April 30, 2016
Prior to his injury, Jack started all 14 games as a sophomore in 2014, recording 88 tackles and earned Second-Team-All-Conference honors. He earned both the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year awards in 2013 after recording 75 tackles and rushing for seven touchdowns.
When it comes to his future with the Jaguars, Jack stated, “I’m 100% healthy. I’m cleared. The knee shouldn’t be a concern anymore. I have definitely proved that with my play. There’s nothing else to talk about. I’m ready to play ball.”
Now that his unexpected draft drama is finally over, Jack can relax and focus on the road ahead. “It’s just such a relief,” he said. If all goes well, the Jaguars may have come up on the biggest steal of the draft.
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