Mini-Scouting Report: Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith
In the first installment of the weekly mini-scouting reports, we’ll take a look at two of the nations top linebacker prospects.
Myles Jack
Linebacker, UCLA, Junior, 6’1″ 232lbs
Myles Jack takes the early lead on top of my inside linebackers rankings. Jack is one of the most versatile prospects entering the 2016 draft splitting time at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, edge rusher, strong safety, and nickel corner. Unlike the versatility of last season’s Shaq Thompson, Jack is very effective wherever he lines up on the defense.
Strengths:
- High football IQ, makes very few mistakes
- Patient tackler, won’t fun himself out of plays
- Incredible versatility, lines up all over the field
- Outstanding athleticism, recovers from mistakes quickly
Weaknesses:
- Light weight, can stand to gain some mass, gets pushed around on occasion
Take a look at Jack against Kansas State from last season, courtesy of our friends at DraftBreakdown.com.
Grade: A
Projection: Top 15
Jaylon Smith
Linebacker, Notre Dame, Junior, 6’2 1/2″, 235lbs
Smith is considered by some to be the best linebacker entering the 2016 season, even drawing comparisons to the recently retired Patrick Willis. Smith’s best fit in the NFL will be in a prominently zone based defense as he excels in space.
Strengths:
- Quick to diagnose plays and attack the ball carrier
- Has an eye for the ball, tracks it well from QB to receiver
- Athletically gifted, has natural speed to drop into and cover zones
Weaknesses:
- Has a very strange stance, makes him almost stand up to run
- Can’t shed blocks, once a bigger blocker locks on, he’s down for the count
- Plays like a man on fire, rushes without control, takes himself out of plays
Take a look at Smith against Michigan from last year courtesy of our friends at DraftBreakdown.com.
Grade: B-
Projection: First Round