Cleveland Browns draft profile: Myles Jack
By Thomas Moore
Unlike former first-round selections Kamerion Wimbley and Mingo, college players who were projected to be able to transition to an outside linebacker role at the NFL level, there is no question about what Jack’s position will be at the next level.
"Jack is well-suited to today’s pass-happy NFL as he combines rare agility and speed with awareness in coverage. He has the fluidity to cover backs and tight ends step for step and anticipates routes well, breaking free from his assignment to close quickly on the ball. Jack’s ability in coverage make him ideally suited to playing outside in a 4-3 scheme, where his lack of ideal size is mitigated."
"Jack’s burst and agility make him an effective edge rusher and he doesn’t shy from contact. He shows an explosive pop on contact to break free from would-be blockers. The hand-eye coordination that makes him so effective in breaking up passes shows up in his tackling, as well, as Jack is consistently able to trip up smaller, quicker ballcarriers. Breaks down well and wraps securely for the reliable take-down with little to no yardage allowed after contact."
And NFL.com chimed in to say that Jack has:
"Upper echelon explosiveness with the desire, speed and aggression to find his way into play after play. While UCLA asked Jack to do a little bit of everything, an NFL team is more likely to simplify his tasks and set him into attack mode to maximize his outstanding physical traits."
In a nutshell, Jack is the type of player that would cause Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Andy Dalton to have some sleepless nights the week before facing the Browns.
He combines an on-field edge with an off-the-field attitude that stands in stark contrast to some of the Browns other recent first round draft picks.
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“Once I put the helmet on, I change,” Jack told CBS Sports. “Football is a dangerous sport. People are out there trying to get you. My mentality is either him or me. And it’s not going to be me that’s going to get got. I always try to be aggressive and be the dominant person in every situation. I am a boring person off the field. I sit at home and play video games when I am not in here working out.
“But on the field, you have to rev yourself up, bring on that demon inside of you, not like a demon, but an alter ego. Once you put on the helmet, you’re a warrior. Off the field, I am a cool person, but on the field you can assault people and not get in trouble for it.”
Jack has recovered from his knee injury – he was able to be a full participant at UCLA’s Pro Day – so the question for the Browns comes down to what they want to do with the No. 2 overall selection. If they are not fully sold on Cal’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz then they very well may look to find an impact player on defense.
If the Browns decide to go down that path, they very well could find Jack waiting for them at the other end.