Myles Jack proved he could play multiple positions, and play them well, in college.
Will he get a chance to show the same kind of versatility in the NFL? At least one NFL club, the Chargers, would use the former UCLA star linebacker in the secondary at the pro level, according to Jack, who saw some action at safety and running back early in his college career, but was primarily a linebacker in 29 career games as the school.
"(The Chargers) really envision me as a DB," Jack recently told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "Even at my pro day, toward the end, they kind of jumped in and had me do DB drills. They really envision me there. ... They feel like I can fill that spot Eric Weddle was at. Obviously, they want me at a lower weight, but with my skill set, they can see me in the slot, covering and running."
Certainly, 245 pounds is a little heavy for a safety. But for a player who performed in so many different roles in his career with the Bruins, versatility is no issue. This, indeed, is a Jack of all trades.
The Chargers hold the No. 3 overall pick of the draft, and all seven NFL Media mock drafts project Jack to be available at that point. Weddle was the club's most accomplished defensive player until he departed in free agency, signing a $26 million contract with the Ravens two weeks ago.
"Like they were saying, the NFL is moving to mostly sub-packages. So I think that's where the Chargers see me fitting in, a sub-package type of deal where I'm coming in and playing nickel and the safety-type role," Jack said. "They have plans for me. If they draft me, then I think that's the role I'll be playing in."
If the Chargers intend to pick Jack and use him as a safety, they would likely be all the more interested in knowing exactly how fast he is. It's unlikely, however, that Jack will run a 40-yard dash before the draft. The possibility remains that Jack could run a 40 in a private workout with a specific club.
If the Chargers want him as a defensive back, they'd no doubt have a stopwatch at the ready.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
