49ers.com runs down the list of top players in the 2016 NFL Draft. We continue our "Meet the Prospect" series with one of the most versatile athletes of the class, UCLA linebacker Myles Jack.
First Glance
Although Jack is likely to be a top-10 pick come April, there are still many question marks surrounding the linebacker. Not about anything he showed on tape during his three years in Westwood, but for a knee injury that is still limiting his movement.
Jack suffered a torn meniscus last September and missed the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair it. He is expected to be fully healthy by the time the 2016 season rolls around, but the linebacker will likely not run a timed 40-yard dash before the NFL Draft.
Instead, teams will have to rely on his game film, measurables and a belief that he will return to pre-injury form. At UCLA, Jack totaled 178 tackles, 18 pass breakups and four interceptions. Some scouts view Jack as a player who could excel at cornerback and safety as well, but it is likely that he'll end up as a middle linebacker.
The 49ers already have one Pro Bowl middle linebacker in NaVorro Bowman. Michael Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges are expected to compete for the other starting spot in San Francisco's 3-4 defense. If the 49ers select Jack at No. 7, it could be with the hopes of creating another dynamic duo like Bowman and Patrick Willis.
Measurables
Height: 6-1
Weight: 245
Arm length: 33 5/8 inches
Hand Size: 10 1/4 inches
NFL.com Pro Comparison
San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman
Best College Game
Jack first burst onto the national scene with an unprecedented performance against Arizona during his freshman year. In addition to tallying eight tackles and two pass breakups on defense, Jack was inserted into the lineup on offense at running back and produced 120 yards and a touchdown on six carries. UCLA won the game, 31-26, and Jack went on to become the first player in Pac-12 history to win both Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year awards.
Combine Statistics
40-yard dash: N/A
Bench press: 19 reps
Vertical jump: 40 inches (at UCLA pro day)
Broad jump: 124 inches (at UCLA pro day)
3 cone drill: N/A
20-yard shuttle: N/A
Mock Draft Connections
ESPN's Todd McShay – No. 5 overall pick (Jacksonville Jaguars)
NFL Media's Lance Zierlein – No. 5 overall pick (Jacksonville Jaguars)
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah – No. 7 overall pick (San Francisco 49ers)
What the Media is Saying…
"There very rarely comes along the type of playmaker with Jack's physical measurables, coverage skills, tackling ability, movement traits, instincts, mentality, and physicality all rolled into one player. If Jack's knee is fully healed and he can continue to make strides in his mental processing, the junior linebacker could very well end up being the best player from the 2016 draft class." – USA TODAY's Jon Ledyard
"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." – CBS Sports' Dane Brugler
Fun Fact
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jack was the only player at the combine who Under Armour had already signed to a shoe and apparel deal. The prospect recently helped design his first signature shoe – white high-tops with textured skin and a blue-and-yelllow, graffiti-like color scheme. On one side of the kicks is a playing card that reads "Jack of all Trades" with his jersey No. 30. On the other side is a similar card that says "The Jack Family" with the names of his mother and brother.
Must-see Video
Myles Jack is fine. Needs more of these drills to get in football shape. Mirroring WRs/DBs to get finish rehab. pic.twitter.com/CZSvLT6udH — JohnThornton (@JohnThornton) March 29, 2016
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