OLB Myles Jack, UCLA
Let’s be honest–the Giants have not had a pro bowl caliber linebacker since Antonio Pierce (honorable mention to Michael Boley in 2011, but that’s it). Devon Kennard has shown intriguing upside, but injuries have hampered the USC product. The Giants have several average players at the linebacker position, and desperately need an upgrade.
Jack is one of the most versatile and athletic players in the draft. At 6’1 and 245 lbs, he’s slightly undersized, but makes up for it with great speed and instincts. He occasionally played running back at UCLA, and posses the lateral agility to range from sideline to sideline. Tight ends have become such a weapon in today’s NFL, and Jack has the speed and coverage skills to stick with them. A massive 6’5 260 lb frame isn’t necessary in a 4-3 scheme, which would allow Jack to smoothly sync up with Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Knee surgery ended his UCLA career, but a torn ACL didn’t stop Todd Gurley from being a top 15 pick and taking the NFL by storm, so there’s plenty of reason to believe Jack is worth the number 10 selection.
