Were it not for fate, the Eagles wouldn't even have a shot to land Myles Jack with the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft. Even after suffering a torn meniscus last September, there's a good chance the UCLA linebacker won't last that long.
But if Jack were to somehow slide to number eight, there's an excellent chance he'll be the best player available there.
Or best athlete available, at least. One scouting report describes Jack as possessing "rare agility and speed." Another calls him "ultra athletic," as was evidenced during an abbreviated collegiate career. In 2013, he was named both the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year having also spent time at running back, and he remained a two-way player throughout his three seasons with the Bruins.
The Eagles would have to look past Jack's injury, but assuming everything checks out there, it's not every day a linebacker with this kind of range and versatility comes around. No doubt, they will take a long, hard look at Jack if he is on the board at eight.
Production
2015: 15 TKL, 1 INT, 1 PD in 3 games
2014: 87 TKL, 8.0 TFL, 1 INT, 7 PD in 13 games
2013: 76 TKL, 7.0 TFL, 1.0 SK, 2 INT, 11 PD, 1 FF in 13 games
In addition to Jack's contributions on defense, he was pretty effective with the ball in his hands as well, carrying 68 times for 387 yards and 11 touchdowns during his career.
NFL
It's a shame his junior season came to an early end, but Jack had already built a large enough body of work as a true freshman and sophomore to show what he's capable of. Two things really stand out from the totals. First, Jack is a high-volume tackler, so he's in on a lot of plays. Second, and perhaps most notably, is how much work he did in coverage, his 11 pass breakups in 2013 good for second in the Pac-12.
Based on the numbers, there seems to be untapped potential for Jack as a disruptive presence in opposing backfields. Perhaps that's merely a reflection of usage, as we'll touch on in a bit, but if there is one question about his game besides the injury, it's his ability to rush the passer and create negative plays.
Measureables
Height: 6-1
Weight: 245
Bench: 19 reps
Because of the injury, Jack wasn't a full participant in drills at the combine. He did add a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot, four-inch broad jump at UCLA's pro day, but has yet to be tested in the 40-yard dash. It's nothing to be overly concerned with, however, as Jack is expected to run in the coming days.
Jack's athleticism isn't really in question anyway, only his health. At 6-1, 245, he has ideal size for the position and should only get stronger, so teams probably just want to see him run to put their minds at ease.
Fit
Jack is viewed as a pure outside linebacker, where the current projected starters for the Eagles are Mychal Kendricks and free-agent addition Nigel Bradham. Bradham already knows defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's system, and there is much invested in Kendricks, so it's probably going to be tough to crack the starting lineup as a rookie. Short-term, Jack could enter in sub packages on passing downs.
That being said, it's not difficult to envision a scenario where Jack becomes a starter within one season. Bradham was a low-risk signing who might disappoint. Kendricks may not be right for the scheme and could potentially wind up traded a year from now. In other words, there is no reason for the Eagles to pass on a linebacker, particularly one who projects as a perennial Pro Bowler.
Although there is some question as to whether Jack would be a natural fit for Schwartz's defense. UCLA often had him lining up in space and carrying out tasks like manning up on slot receivers. In a more traditional role behind a wide-nine front, Jack would deal with far more traffic than he's used to, and while he certainly has the size and athleticism to take on linemen, again, it's less of a known quanitity than his coverage ability.
The pick?
NFL.com has Jack rated as the second-best prospect in this year's class. CBSSports.com ranks Jack fourth. While quite a few mocks have him slipping to eight on draft day, many in the scouting community view Jack as a top-five talent, which means there's a good chance the Eagles won't even have a decision to make.
If Jack does last, it's all about whether he's healthy -- all indications are that he is -- whether he fits Schwartz's system, and this is important, if he truly is the best player available. The Eagles could use another linebacker, but there's also potential in Kendricks and Bradham on the outside.
Then again, Jack is drawing comparisons to San Francisco 49ers All-Pro NaVorro Bowman, who led the NFL in tackles in 2015. Aside from maybe Jordan Hicks, there doesn't appear to be a linebacker currently on the Eagles' roster who can make that type of impact. If Jack can become that kind of game-changer, he'll be well worth the eighth choice.