The Raiders spent significant time with UCLA linebacker Myles Jack last week, running him through an extensive private workout in Los Angeles.
Sources said the workout went well for player and team.. Still, the Raiders didn’t select Jack in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft.
Neither did any other team. Jack was passed up 31 times – the Patriots didn’t have a first-round pick – an astonishing free fall that had nothing to do with talent or character or college production.
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Widely considered a top five talent, Jack’s health spoiled a big night. The former Bruin tore the meniscus in his knee last season, but it has degenerative issues that troubled many. Jack said he might need microfracture surgery on his knee, a procedure that can be career-threatening.
Teams passed on this talented player, who could play football right away. His future, however, is at risk. The Raiders had their shot at No. 14, and went with safety Karl Joseph instead. The West Virginia alum has knee issues of his own, but his recovery is straightforward.
[BAIR: Knee injury doesn't prevent Raiders from drafting Joseph early]
Jack’s is not.
NFL
He made that point clear with this damning quote to the New York Post: “(The degenerative problems are) there, but it’s nothing extreme. Down the line, possibly I could have microfracture surgery — potentially. Who knows what will happen?
"Nobody knows how long anybody is going to play in this league. To play three years in this league would be above average. … I would understand if I fell. This is a talented draft class, so if I was to fall, I wouldn’t take it personally.”
Exactly how far Jack will continue to fall on Friday, featuring rounds 2 and 3, is unclear. He would have to tumble 12 more spots before the Raiders have another crack at their assigned spot of No. 44 overall.
Would they take him if (and it’s a big if) he’s still around? Jack is an excellent coverage linebacker and would be a near perfect fit for what the Raiders do defensively. They passed on him once. Doing it again might be tough.
There are also other players and other needs to fill, possibly with healthier long-term prospects.
There is plenty of talent available, heading into the second round. Mississippi State defensive tackle Chris Jones is an intriguing prospect with a diverse skill set that would fit well with the Raiders front.
Florida’s Jonathan Bullard is another versatile defensive lineman thought to be an early second-round pick, and could add power to the interior pass rush as Mario Edwards Jr. currently does.
Indiana’s Jordan Spriggs offers potential as an offensive tackle of the future, something needed in the next few years.
The Raiders need to add a coverage linebacker. If Jack isn’t it, USC’s Su’a Cravens might fit as hybrid player to help in pass defense.
Running backs could be a target down the line, with Alabama’s Derrick Henry and UCLA’s Paul Perkins as intriguing Day 2 prospects. Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott was the only rusher to go in the first round, so quality options could be found in the later rounds.
The Raiders have a pick in each of Friday’s rounds, with the 13th pick in the second round (No. 44 overall) and the 12th pick in the third round (No. 75).