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2016 NFL Draft: Injury-concern Prospects the San Francisco 49ers May Consider

By Peter Panacy

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) cries as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury un the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) cries as he is carted off the field after suffering an injury un the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker Myles Jack, UCLA

Injury: Knee

Perhaps the most interesting injured prospect coming out in the NFL Draft is UCLA linebacker Myles Jack.

And there is enough recent controversy surrounding his knee injury, as seen in the subsequent tweets from Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News and Jack’s physician, David Chao.

Unlike the previously mentioned prospects with injury concerns, Jack remains a top-10 pick. He’ll probably end up being selected within the first five selections of the draft, which makes the standout linebacker even more provocative, given the risk-versus-reward situation here.

If healthy, Jack draws some more-than noteworthy comparisons.

CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler and Rob Rang compared him to 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman, while Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller compared Jack to Carolina Panthers standout linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Jack may not even fall to the 49ers at No. 7, which would negate any and all concerns for San Francisco regarding such a pick.

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At best, if he does fall to the Niners, Jack could be another perennial All-Pro player alongside one of the incumbent linebacker greats. At worst, Jack’s knee doesn’t hold up, and the 49ers investment is short lived.

Oh the risk.

Next: Complete 49ers Mock for All Rounds of 2016 NFL Draft

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.