Why waste #4 pick on Jack

[the_h0wey]

when you can get Linebacker Deion Jones LSU in the third

6-foot-0 7/8, 221 pounds --

ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 and 4.42 seconds (he'd posted the fourth-fastest 40 among linebackers at the NFL Scouting Combine). He did the 20-yard short shuttle in 4.26 seconds and the three-cone drill in 7.13 seconds. He had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump. Jones performed 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Jones had an off-the-charts workout. He was really smooth and quick in his positional drills, only slipped a couple of times possibly due to not having on the proper shoes.



STRENGTHS: Numbers don't do his play justice as the tape shows a highly active and instinctive linebacker with the athletic range to be a three-down player. Jones has above average reactive athleticism to trust what he sees, work off blocks and drive to his target to secure the tackle.

He also does a nice job in coverage with decisive, smooth strides to stick with tight ends, even lining up at cornerback on some snaps.


IN OUR VIEW: Jones, who also plays on special teams coverages, doesn't have any obvious flaws and is considered one of the smartest players on the team ? his NFL arrow is pointing north.

I don't like the idea of taking a Linebacker or a RB at #4. Neither position has a very long shelf life in the NFL especially in recent years. Not to mention Jack still has major injury concerns. Do we know if he will even play this year?

 

[texbumthelife]

Yes. Jack is better than both in man coverage. Jack is also faster than either Lee or Ro, better sideline to sideline. Jack can also play a MIKE in a Tampa 2, which is not the best fit for Ro. Jack can play all 3 LB positions. Ro is best suited for the MIKE, while Lee can probably play all 3 but is not the quick twitch athlete.

Finally, Jack can also play RB, and at a high level. And unlike Wentz, Jack's level of competition is elite.

Once I see Jack cover an NFL slot receiver in man-to-man, I will concede that. Until then, I don't buy it.

I just don't see great instincts when I watch him on tape. I see a guy relying on his athletic ability, which I concede is out of this world, but if I am picking a LB at 4, I want a guy who has those instincts, not someone still learning them.

Its tough for me to take the argument seriously that a kid who's never played LB full-time will come in and be better than the 3rd best linebacker in the league right away. I'm not buying it.

Also, the RB mention is pointless. He may get some gimmick plays or short yardage opportunities, but he isn't being drafted or even considered at that position. If the Cowboys select him I certainly wouldn't expect them to suddenly get creative with their personnel like that.

None of this even takes into consideration his sketchy injury issue.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Once I see Jack cover an NFL slot receiver in man-to-man, I will concede that. Until then, I don't buy it.

I just don't see great instincts when I watch him on tape. I see a guy relying on his athletic ability, which I concede is out of this world, but if I am picking a LB at 4, I want a guy who has those instincts, not someone still learning them.

Also, the RB mention is pointless. He may get some gimmick plays or short yardage opportunities, but he isn't being drafted or even considered at that position. If the Cowboys select him I certainly wouldn't expect them to suddenly get creative with their personnel like that.

I agree with the 2nd part. I would just not even consider using him at RB. I would find a spot for him on the defense though.

 

[texbumthelife]

I agree with the 2nd part. I would just not even consider using him at RB. I would find a spot for him on the defense though.

I am not even against drafting Jack. Several people have tried to put those words in my mouth (or on my screen), but I have never said I am against him. I just don't see the instincts. I will be totally on board with finding a spot for him if they take him though. I would love more athletes like that on the defense. Being a great athlete doesn't make you a great player though (see Phillip Buchanon etc.).

 

[BAT]

Once I see Jack cover an NFL slot receiver in man-to-man, I will concede that. Until then, I don't buy it.

I just don't see great instincts when I watch him on tape. I see a guy relying on his athletic ability, which I concede is out of this world, but if I am picking a LB at 4, I want a guy who has those instincts, not someone still learning them.

Its tough for me to take the argument seriously that a kid who's never played LB full-time will come in and be better than the 3rd best linebacker in the league right away. I'm not buying it.

Also, the RB mention is pointless. He may get some gimmick plays or short yardage opportunities, but he isn't being drafted or even considered at that position. If the Cowboys select him I certainly wouldn't expect them to suddenly get creative with their personnel like that.

None of this even takes into consideration his sketchy injury issue.

Granted that there is not a lot of tape on the kid due to only playing 2 seasons for UCLA. But the fact that you consider him a gimmick RB shows me you have never really watched this kid play. And unlike a player like Byron Marshall (1,000 yard rusher in 2013 and 1,000 yard receiver in 2014) he played both positions at a high level in same season. Gimmicks don't get you Pac-12 offensive AND defensive freshman of the year. First time that ever happened in the history of the conference.

 

[texbumthelife]

Granted that there is not a lot of tape on the kid due to only playing 2 seasons for UCLA. But the fact that you consider him a gimmick RB shows me you have never really watched this kid play. And unlike a player like Byron Marshall (1,000 yard rusher in 2013 and 1,000 yard receiver in 2014) he played both positions at a high level in same season. Gimmicks don't get you Pac-12 offensive AND defensive freshman of the year. First time that ever happened in the history of the conference.

I didn't say he was a gimmick running back. I said any intention of drafting him as a running back would be gimmicky.

he isn't being drafted or even considered at that position

He won't be drafted as a RB. I know you're throwing that out there to strengthen your argument, but it really doesn't. As a RB prospect he wouldn't even sniff the first three rounds, not as raw as he is.

Also, just so we are clear, you consider 267 yards in 2013 and 113 in 2014, a high level? 38 rushing attempts is being a gimmick. I would have to go back and look, but getting Freshman offensive player of the year at 38/267, probably meant there were no other freshman running backs getting carries in the conference. Otherwise he was wholly undeserving.

I've seen the kid play plenty, by the way. I sincerely don't give a damn about his running back ability. He won't be a running back here. At least not enough to merit mention. That's my point.

It is telling, however, that you completely glossed over my critique of his ability as a linebacker.

 

[DFWJC]

There hasn't been a player like him since Bo Jackson/Deion Sanders. He's a 2-way player....and a good one @ that...on both sides of the ball. When the Cowboys signed Morris...that just told me..we aren't gonna take the best player in the draft. There is no way I pass on Jack....unless Wentz makes it to our pick....Could happen...But I give it a 20% chance.

You just listed two Hall of Fame level players...especially Sanders
Want to re-think that?

 

[Hardline]

If Jack is comparable to Luke Kuechly then he is very well worth the 4th pick.

 

[texbumthelife]

If Jack is comparable to Luke Kuechly then he is very well worth the 4th pick.

Kuechly is the most instinctual defender in the NFL. His first step may be one of the best ever. He anticipates, reads and diagnoses better than any other defender in the game. Kuechly has forgotten more about football than Jack knows.

 

[Hardline]

Kuechly is the most instinctual defender in the NFL. His first step may be one of the best ever. He anticipates, reads and diagnoses better than any other defender in the game. Kuechly has forgotten more about football than Jack knows.

We wont know that until we see Jack perform in the NFL. He certainly played like that at UCLA

 

[BAT]

I didn't say he was a gimmick running back. I said any intention of drafting him as a running back would be gimmicky.



He won't be drafted as a RB. I know you're throwing that out there to strengthen your argument, but it really doesn't. As a RB prospect he wouldn't even sniff the first three rounds, not as raw as he is.

Also, just so we are clear, you consider 267 yards in 2013 and 113 in 2014, a high level? 38 rushing attempts is being a gimmick. I would have to go back and look, but getting Freshman offensive player of the year at 38/267, probably meant there were no other freshman running backs getting carries in the conference. Otherwise he was wholly undeserving.

I've seen the kid play plenty, by the way. I sincerely don't give a damn about his running back ability. He won't be a running back here. At least not enough to merit mention. That's my point.

It is telling, however, that you completely glossed over my critique of his ability as a linebacker.

Your critique about Jack lacking instincts is remarkably uninformed. Again, he does not have a lot of tape, but his instincts are the least of his issues. How are you gauging his lack of instincts? I think I value Dane Brugler's analysis over yours, when he compares Jack to Navarro Bowman in terms of athleticism and awareness.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2079677/myles-jack

Jack has great instincts, especially in coverage (man or zone). Plays like a DB with LB size. Very physical and sure tackler. More importantly Jack is a playmaker, he just generates turnovers. More so than DBs like Ramsey. Guys who compare to Derrick Brooks, Bobby Wagner, Thomas Davis or Navaro Bowman do not come along every draft.

http://BAN-INCOMING-IN-3-2-1/scoutingreport2016mjack.php
http://www.fueledbysports.com/myles-jack-scouting-report/
https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/03/24/draft-pff-scouting-report-myles-jack-lb-ucla/

And Jack had 267 yards in THREE games in 2013 playing RB mostly part time. And nice of you to gloss over the 7 TDs over that span. Due to a depleted offense, Jack stepped up in the 9th game of the season and rushed for 120 yards and 1 TD in only SIX carries. The following game he rushed for FOUR TOUCHDOWNS. The 3rd game he played RB full time and had 86 yards and a TD. Gimmick my arse. Kid is a playmaker.

 

[jnday]

Jack is my 2nd favorite player in the draft behind Ramsey. You find a spot for a player like him. Heck he could even play SS IMO! We need elite athletes and he is one of a few in this draft.

They need elite football players , not elite athletes. Many scouts are saying Rsmsey is not even the best CB in the draft and Jack would not be able to play any other position than Sean Lee's spot,

 

[BAT]

Kuechly is the most instinctual defender in the NFL. His first step may be one of the best ever. He anticipates, reads and diagnoses better than any other defender in the game. Kuechly has forgotten more about football than Jack knows.

Funny that you mention Kuechley. I was one of the few who lobbied for him the year he came out.

 

[Mr Cowboy]

He's too risky.... a meniscus tear doesn't usually take 8 months to heal. There's been player who have this surgery and play within a couple of weeks. There has to be something else there. And now he is not going to run a 40 or have a personal pro day before the draft. I don't know where these 4.38 numbers come from since he hasn't run a 40 since his injury. Until he's completely cleared and has gone through all the drills, he 's not a consideration.

 

[Ashwynn]

Im not a big fan of drafting an injured player and then hoping he recovers. I would rather go with a sure thing all the way round and at 4 your in the QB territory, you dont get a chance to draft a franchise changing QB at 15 or 2nd round or later (Romo/Brady aside). I cant help but think we HAVE to go QB. There are two really good to great prospects and maybe three if you count Goff, who I would consider a really good one. I just dont know if we will be this high again in the near future draft position wise, and I certainly dont want to go through another 4-12 or worse to get there. Lets draft the future QB now while we are here and fill the D in later drafts picks this year and next. You can find game changers on D in the 2 through 7 rounds and even in UDFA, you wont find your franchise QB (Romo, Brady aside) outside the top 10 picks. I just get sick to my stomach when I see mocks that take Ramsey, Jack or Bosa first leaving a Wentz/Lynch or Goff on the board, leaving us with another Stephen McGee in the third or fourth round. I hate losing and the best way to cure losing is get a great QB and build around him. Not build around a LBer, like we did with Lee. That worked out well. And drafting an injured LBer and hoping to build a team around him is even sillier than drafting a Sean Lee and watching him get injured. If Lee was durable, that would be one thing, but I am thinking Lees one hit away from retirement at this point. I'd rather not start out with 1 hit already on our future team cornerstone. Get a stud QB and drill the Oline in pass blocking and lets go to town.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Kuechly is the most instinctual defender in the NFL. His first step may be one of the best ever. He anticipates, reads and diagnoses better than any other defender in the game. Kuechly has forgotten more about football than Jack knows.

You're talking about big game there. Instincts is just another word for studying. You don't know Jack's study habits. The fact that he played lb,slot and safety and played them well says he studies pretty well. Imagine him at a set position

 

[Jstopper]

Im not a big fan of drafting an injured player and then hoping he recovers. I would rather go with a sure thing all the way round and at 4 your in the QB territory, you dont get a chance to draft a franchise changing QB at 15 or 2nd round or later (Romo/Brady aside). I cant help but think we HAVE to go QB. There are two really good to great prospects and maybe three if you count Goff, who I would consider a really good one. I just dont know if we will be this high again in the near future draft position wise, and I certainly dont want to go through another 4-12 or worse to get there. Lets draft the future QB now while we are here and fill the D in later drafts picks this year and next. You can find game changers on D in the 2 through 7 rounds and even in UDFA, you wont find your franchise QB (Romo, Brady aside) outside the top 10 picks. I just get sick to my stomach when I see mocks that take Ramsey, Jack or Bosa first leaving a Wentz/Lynch or Goff on the board, leaving us with another Stephen McGee in the third or fourth round. I hate losing and the best way to cure losing is get a great QB and build around him. Not build around a LBer, like we did with Lee. That worked out well. And drafting an injured LBer and hoping to build a team around him is even sillier than drafting a Sean Lee and watching him get injured. If Lee was durable, that would be one thing, but I am thinking Lees one hit away from retirement at this point. I'd rather not start out with 1 hit already on our future team cornerstone. Get a stud QB and drill the Oline in pass blocking and lets go to town.

Sean Lee 1 hit from retirement? Wth?

 

[CowboyChris]

like Ramsey, I dont see where Jack fits into this defense, i would pass on both of them.

 

[TheFinisher]

Jack makes a lot of sense if this team is being honest with itself of wanting to make the logical choice and select the best talent available.

There are 4 elite talents in this draft. Tunsil, Ramsey, Jack and Elliott. By most accounts, the top 3 picks look to be some combination of Tunsil, Wentz, Ramsey. That leaves Elliott and Jack as the two remaining blue chip players on the board.

This front office has made it clear the strategy they have in place is allocating its resources to the OL and going cheap at RB. We can whine about it all we want but Darren McFadden just proved their claim by being 4th in the league in rushing yards after doing virtually nothing his entire career in Oakland. Signing Morris was their answer to cover their bases, it would be incredibly shocking and against team philosophy to draft a runner in the top 5 based on the evidence presented of how they want to go about that position.

Rolando McClain and Sean Lee have played a grand total of NINE games together in 2 years. It is also apparent the team does not trust McClain by the 1 year deals they continue to offer him. He's a bridge player whom the team would probably like to move on from once they have a long term solution in place. And with Sean Lee's injury history and 30 year old age it would be wise to start looking for the next guy to captain you defense. Myles Jack can be that player.

Keep in mind that Rod Marinelli pounded the table for Shazier in 2014 before watching him go one pick before us. Jack is cut from the same cloth but is a superior prospect in every way.

So unless this team wants to reach for need and take the less talented player at DE, Myles Jack makes the most sense. It's similar in the way the Zack Martin pick went down. He wasn't their biggest need, but they stuck to the board, listened to the scouts, and selected a future All Pro player by going BPA.

And would anyone in their right mind really be disappointed if he lived up to the projections of becoming the next Ray Lewis/Patrick Willis?

 

[ghst187]

how's his knee? I've read its more concerning that advertised...