UCLA Linebacker Myles Jack was once considered a lock to be taken in the top 10 of the 2016 NFL Draft. The talented defender totaled 178 tackles with 15 for a loss and three interceptions in his freshman and sophomore seasons. However, a serious knee injury ended his junior year after just three games.
As it turned out, the injury was far more significant than anyone realized. Jack did the honorable thing by admitting the day before the draft that his knee might require microfracture surgery. However, his admission cost him dearly. Forget the top 10, Jack fell out of the first round all together.
His freefall was accentuated when the Carolina Panthers - on the clock with the 30th pick - bypassed Jack in favor of Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Vernon Butler.
When asked if Jack was even on Carolina's draft board, Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said "Oh, yeah." But when asked if he was surprised if Jack was still available, he responded, "Not after what he said today. Very frankly, the kid came out and said he is going to need a microfracture."
Though Jack's injury is serious, it doesn't mean he still can't have a productive NFL career. As we head into the second round, one team is poised to grab the potential steal of the draft, and that team should be the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore holds the No. 36 overall pick, and general manager Ozzie Newsome has always been praised for his shrewd evaluations. At what point does Jack's natural talent and value make the pick worth the risk? Based solely on ability, the UCLA linebacker should have been off the board on Day 1. The Ravens are the perfect fit.
Baltimore has always prided itself on its defense, and Jack would be welcomed as a sure-armed tackler in a starting position. Inside linebacker Daryl Smith is 34 years old. Jack could sit behind him as he gets healthy or he could delay the procedure and join a starting core that includes Terrell Suggs, C.J. Mosley and Courtney Upshaw. That's an attractive defensive nucleus if you're in Newsome's shoes.
Yes, Jack's career may be interrupted by sporadic knee troubles. But a top 10 talent in the second round is hard to pass up.
The second round of the 2016 NFL Draft will begin at 8 p.m. ET.
