I just want to dive into the numbers for a second for this
play making elite athletic talent... He has never once had double digit tackles for a loss. He has 1 total career sack. His four interceptions are pretty impressive, but not off the charts good. His high in tackles for a season is 87. So, in reality, he really isn't making very many splash plays.
Now, what I will say is, he is a physical freak. He is fast and plays without regard for his own safety. He is thick in the trunk and an explosive hitter. He does have great versatility for those reasons.
With that in mind, what
every person discussing Jack is doing at this point is projecting his athleticism. For that very fact alone, if not others I have already stated, he projects better as an outside backer.
You mentioned Brugler thinking he can play anywhere. That's a good source and, once again, I have never said he couldn't. I said he is better suited to the outside. Apparently I am not the only one he sees the issues I have mentioned either:
"Jack's ability in coverage make him ideally suited to playing outside in a 4-3 scheme, where his lack of ideal size is mitigated."
WEAKNESSES: Lacks ideal size at linebacker. Does not possess ideal length and can get caught up in the wash.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079677/myles-jack
"I wouldn't get cute with him. I would stick him at WILL and just let him be a free running chaser. He has the speed to get to everything and his cover talent will set him apart." -- NFC executive
"Jack looks like a perfect fit for a Will (weakside) linebacker in a pro 4-3 defense."
Read more at http://BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/scoutingreport2016mjack.php#5ILQfydFPUUzIedl.99
Let me repeat, seems it seems to be getting caught in traffic even more than Jack, he
can play every position, but is more ideally suited to the weak side.
The fact that you are missing is that certainly Jack can play the WILL but his exceptional and rare talent allows him to play any and all of LB positions and we are talking about how the Cowboys view linebackers in particular, not the general 4-3 population.
Jack is ideally suited to play anywhere, that is what makes him "special". The Cowboys utilize a flex approach under Eberflus when drafting linebackers, Jack fits this perfectly.
Eberflus has specifically indicated they are drafting lbs that can play all 3 positions, he has said this with Hitchens and Wilson.
Jack has way more ability than these two and easily fits this mold besides the fact that he is elite.
Your walter football article cited below indicates
"It was crystal clear that he possessed rare speed and athleticism." In either system, Jack should be a three-down starter and difference-maker.
Let us explore the link you provided to support your perspective:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079677/myles-jack
The same analysis states the following:
Even on a team full of NFL prospects,
Jack's pure athleticism stands out. Compactly-built with good overall musculature, light feet, a
fluid turning motion and
natural ball-skills, he could make the full-time switch to running back and earn early-round consideration.
Given his impact ability on defense, however, teams may hesitate to do that.
Jack's burst and agility make him an
effective edge rusher and he doesn't shy from contact. He shows an e
xplosive 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.
IN OUR VIEW: Out of this game due to a knee injury suffered in September which required season-ending surgery, Jack nonetheless projects as a top 15 pick,
boasting perhaps the country's-best combination of instincts and athleticism. Unprecedented as the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013, Jack has the vision, agility and speed to star at running back if he wanted to return to that position but is even more valuable on the defensive side of the ball, where
he's a true three-down linebacker and future Pro Bowler.
Apparently they see his explosiveness as do all the other evaluators, no one says he can not play the WILL, we are saying he can play them all.
I personally want the best athleticism and instinct for a LB, that can play all three lb spots and in their estimation is a Future Pro-Bowler.
Josh Norris:
1. UCLA LB
Myles Jack
Where He Wins:
The complete package at the position, and a complete linebacker is as valuable as it has ever been. Jack’s movements are uncommon. His lower half swivels when adjusting to what is in front of him, and his first steps are
explosive and springy, quickly eating up ground to make a play others cannot. Jack is equally as aggressive between the tackles as he is in coverage. At UCLA, he was even asked to play opposite receivers and did not look out of place in coverage.
Jack is a foundation piece to build with and around.
Brugler:
Special and unique instincts, elite athleticism and contact balance. Play maker! In his top 6 prospects.
Jeremiah:
RANK
3
Myles Jack - LB, UCLA
Jack has started 29 games in three years for the Bruins. His 2015 campaign was cut short due to a knee injury. This is
an explosive playmaker with a unique skill set. He lines up all over the field on defense, including inside linebacker, outside linebacker and nickel cornerback. Against the run, he has the quickness to shoot gaps as well as the strength to play off blocks. He has a violent punch to take on and separate from blockers and he's quick to locate and close on the ball. He's at his best in pass coverage, where he can mirror tight ends, running backs and even wide receivers. There are games where he covers in the slot and he makes it look easy. He has also carried the ball on offense and he has NFL starting ability at running back as well. He has vision, balance and an explosive burst with the ball in his hands.
Overall, Jack has tremendous value because of his ability to dominate at multiple positions.
Kiper:
He's a special talent, Jack isn't your classic downhill run-stuffer -- the guy can flat-out cover, and he epitomizes what teams need at least one of in 2016.
Rob Rang:
This club is clearly more talented than the others selecting in the top five and owner Jerry Jones might be tempted to add an immediate impact defender like Jack rather than select a quarterback to groom behind the 35-year old (and increasingly injury-prone) Tony Romo. Jack suffered a serious knee injury Sept. 23 but if teams are satisfied with his rehabilitation he'll draw top five consideration. Voted the Pac-12's Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year in 2013 while moonlighting at running back and starring at outside linebacker, Jack has the playmaking pedigree Jones loves.
Bucky Brooks:
New-school linebacker with
superb playmaking skills to the mix.
The common theme is versatility, instinct, play maker, explosive, special and potential Future Pro Bowler, yes, this is the type of player and LB I want on my team.
I do not view Jack in the mold of the traditional, narrow view of projection when the Cowboys do not view their LB's this way.
We may just have to disagree, much like others do not see the explosiveness and a play making ability with Bosa, you see something else, so do I with reference to Jack.
