2016 NFL Draft: 5 Bad Picks for the 49ers

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Nov 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Myles Jack (30) rushes for a 28-yard touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

LB Myles Jack, UCLA

Why would the 49ers draft Myles Jack? He’s simply one of the most versatile players in college football. He was both the Pac-12 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2013, serving as a safety, a linebacker and a running back. He was a star from the minute he stepped onto the field at UCLA, with tremendous athleticism and fantastic speed. He has a great motor and persistence, moving around the field and moving around opposing blocks in pursuit. He’s very solid in coverage, as well—which makes sense, as he’s played safety at UCLA. His NFL comparison, according to NFL.com, is NaVorro Bowman, so that’s a pretty good name to be connected with from the 49ers’ fans points of view.

So, why am I not sold on Jack? First and foremost, he’s coming off of a massive injury. His 2015 season was cut short with a torn meniscus three games in, and the 49ers have had real bad luck with players coming off of injury. He’s also undersized for a linebacker at 6’1” and 245 pounds. He’s never played in a 3-4 set; he projects well at outside coverage linebacker in a 4-3, but I’m not so sure the transition to an inside slot in a 3-4 would go as smoothly as people hope. At UCLA, he was protected somewhat by a four-man front; he’ll have to fight off more blocks and offensive linemen in a 3-4 look.

If the 49ers ran a 4-3 defense, I’d be all over Jack; I think he has the potential to be a future All-Pro in the NFL. I just am not so sure he fits in the 49ers’ scheme, nor do I think the 49ers have the pieces to shift to a four-man front at the moment. Honestly, in San Francisco, he might fit better as a safety, and that’s the last thing the team needs at the moment.

Even if you think he will succeed as a 3-4 inside linebacker, though, the fact remains it’s not the 49ers’ most pressing need by a long shot. NaVorro Bowman still is in town, now a full year back from his own knee injury. Neither Gerald Hodges nor Michael Wilhoite really excite at the other inside linebacking position, but that’s something you could address with a Scooby Wright in the third round or so.

The combination of fit, injury and positional need means that Jack at number seven just doesn’t feel right, and the number of 4-3 defenses that will covet Jack means that the 49ers couldn’t trade back to the middle of the first round and grab him. All in all, to see Jack succeeding in San Francisco requires a little more stretching than I’m comfortable with in a top-ten pick.

Next: Jalen Ramsey