One of the best players in the NFL Draft is finally off the board. The Jaguars traded up to select UCLA linebacker Myles Jack with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Jack was the second overall player on NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's big board and would have likely be a top-five pick if not for a knee injury that could eventually require surgery.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Jack was long the player the Jaguars expected to take with the No. 5 overall pick. But he slid in the draft because of medical reports on his surgically repaired right knee. Jack admitted this week he may one day need microfracture surgery.
If Jack is healthy enough to play through his rookie deal, the Jaguars may have just drafted the best two defensive players in the entire draft along with No. 5 overall pick, cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Jack is the prototype new linebacker. He can pursue running backs with incredible quickness and cover receivers in the slot. Jack can play inside linebacker, outside linebacker, and even put his hand in the ground. Along with Telvin Smith, the Jaguars have the makings of a versatile linebacker group.
It's amazing how much better the Jaguars defense looks now compared to how it finished last season. Jack and Ramsey make this team younger. Last year's No. 3 overall pick Dante Fowler will be returning from injury. Free agent pickups Malik Jackson and Prince Amukamara will also have huge roles.
Even before draft week, the Jaguars figured to be the trendy "surprise" playoff team in the AFC. Now they definitely will. Expectations have been raised.
