Oakland Raiders Can’t Afford To Roll The Dice On Jack At Fourteen

The Oakland Raiders generated some buzz by working out UCLA linebacker Myles Jack and though he’s an elite athlete, the team simply can’t afford to roll the dice on him at fourteen.

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Oakland Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie is nothing, if not thorough. Knowing the team needs to address their need for a linebacker, the Raiders sent a delegation to UCLA to work out Bruins standout Myles Jack. The workout, as well as the perception that the team is doing some last minute “deep digging” on Jack has, of course, led to some speculation that Oakland is giving serious thought to taking him if he’s available at fourteen.

Of course, most don’t expect Jack to slide far enough down the draft board to even be available to the Raiders at fourteen. But there are others who believe that because of the torn meniscus Jack suffered last year, teams might be a little more wary of selecting him so high and he may see his draft stock drop.

There is no question that with his talent and explosiveness, Jack was a top ten, if not a top five pick before his injury. But given the fact that he has been somewhat limited during the pre-draft process and has not been able to leave a strong, lasting impression on scouts, it’s unclear what shape his draft stock is in at this point.

If the opinion of David Chao, a former NFL team’s head physician, is to be believed, Jack may see himself well outside of the top ten because of his injury.

And according to Les Bowen, an Eagles’ beat writer, an “NFL source” recently referred to Jack’s knee a “ticking time bomb” that may or may not hold up to the rigors of the pro game.

Should Jack actually fall out of the top ten and be available when the Raiders are on the clock, it presents an interesting conundrum for McKenzie and the team. In the peak of health, Jack was an elite athlete and could be just the sort of linebacker and difference maker the Raiders need at the position. He can play the run, he can play the pass, and he’s an effective rusher off the edge. In short, Jack is the whole package.

Or rather, he was the whole package before his injury. At this point, nobody can say for sure if he’s that same player who dominated at UCLA.

John Thornton, Jack’s agent though, has posted videos of his client going through some controlled drills, cutting, planting, and showing off his speed and lateral movement. Jack’s agent then said – in response to Chao’s Tweet – “I wish these doctors/trainers would have shared concussion info like they are sharing ‘alleged’ Myles Jack knee info.”

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Bowen later compared to former Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, a talented and versatile player, who was a two time Pro Bowler, but because of a similar injury, “only had six or seven healthy years.”

With the smoke and mirrors game NFL teams are playing this time of year, it’s not inconceivable that the reports about the “concerns” over Jack’s injury are an attempt to suppress his stock value by a team who is hoping he’ll slide down the draft board to them.

Either way though, there is a risk in drafting a player with an injury like Jack’s. It would be intellectually dishonest to say it wouldn’t be a gamble. Especially when you’re talking longevity and drafting cornerstone players who will be with the organization for years to come.

Next: Worst First Round Picks In Raiders History

The Raiders need to factor a player’s injury history into their draft day considerations. Though they’re on a serious upswing and seem to be in a good position, they still need to fine tune their roster, add some depth, and some young talent who can play. They can’t afford to burn a first round draft pick on a player whose injury history may or may not be a concern.

Jack is an elite talent. But he is also a risk – a risk the Raiders can’t afford to take. If the concerns about his health aren’t just smokescreens and he’s even actually available at fourteen.