Is Myles Jack the Target at 15?

[Wildflecken]

Posted a thread yesterday about Fisher/Snead's ability to disguise true target in round 1 and speculated it could be Ragland. Ragland is special and I don't buy any of the concerns created for combine fodder about being only a 2 down lb in today's passing league. Anyone who watches tape on Ragland knows how this kid simply deciphers plays and gets to the football, period. And when he arrives, he arrives in a manner not seen for quite some time in the draft, reminiscent of some of the all time greats at the MIKE. But the Rams have moved to LA and there is another MIKE named Jack who could drop to 15 due to a knee issue, sound familiar? The knee injury here is not nearly as concerning as Gurley's was last draft, it is a meniscus versus the ligament. And similar to the Gurley selection last draft, one could speculate minus the injury Jack goes much higher in draft, top ten talent. SO not only is Jack a local prospect, helping the organization reconnect with the LA fanbase his selection presents the type value Snead in known to seek in draft.

Love to blog about the qb prospects and I do think there are some good ones this class, but it is a deep class at the position and Fisher is not yet done building the defense he desires. And this regime has had much better results in the draft on the defensive side of the ball. Think with the addition of Groh and Peete, the cap space was created to boost the offense. The FA acquisitions outside of retaining their own will in all likelihood be added on that side of the ball, with the philosophy being give Groh some talent that is ready to contribute now in retooling the passing attack and add to defense in the draft that is already making waves as one of the toughest in the league to play against.

Deciding between Jack or Ragland is a tough call. Both add an intriguing dimension. See Ragland's advantage over Jack in playing the run, but it is very close. Jack however could be the better fit scheme wise as I can already see GW dialing up one of the blitz's once ran by JL. Think either route Rams go here adds a dimension to defense that gets it one step closer to competing for leauges best

[KarlBaker]

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In my opinion, one of the two (Jack/Regland) - will definitely be the Rams selection if they stay at #15.
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I like Ragland a little better at this point in time, but I would be happy with either one of them.
None of the WRs in the 2016 draft class, are a Calvin Johnson/Julio Jones/A.J. Green type of receiver - therefore I hope the Rams wait until later rounds to fill that position. In fact (probably should start another thread for THIS topic.... I really don't like any of the WRs of this draft class), I hope the Rams go Free Agent to fill the open WR slots on the roster.
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The only other prospect I can see the Rams drafting at #15, is Hunter Henry, TE, Arkansas .
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Now IF the Rams trade up OR down....
All bets are OFF the table.

[NN1Badboy]

MLB or Henry would be a great selection IMO. Both are positions of need. Whatever position we take, it needs to be someone who can make an immediate impact. I think either of these positions will do that.

[Wildflecken]

I have no issues with Rams going Henry, just don't think they will. Do think if Rams add a receiving target Henry should be the pick over anyone in wr class. Not that the offense does not need help at wr, it does, but rewind to last season and think Rams are in playoffs if TE's (mostly Cook) pull their weight. Lots of big plays/first downs blundered there. Think however there is a sense of urgency on offensive side of ball for immediate improvement. See FA as a means to do this for next season, with a TE and wr added. While they want the offense as dynamic as possible think with Gurley on board they are merely trying to immediately improve offense enough to allow the defensive led strategy to work. And Fisher sees room for improvement on defensive side, aiming high on this side of ball and why I think they go defense at 15.

[lynyrdsghost]

I don't think Jack gets out of the top 10 but stranger things have happened. Would guess it wouldn't take long for the Rams card to go in if he is still available unless it's due to medical issues or some other great player dropping. I'm a huge Bama fan and love Ragland. Still think he should be their target but I'm gonna take Fisher's word and believe Ogletree will be their MLB. If Ragland and Jack are both still available and there are no medical issues, I'd rather see them take Jack if Fisher really plans on Tree being their MLB. Personally, I don't really think either will still be available at pick #15. JMO.

[Wildflecken]

With as loaded as this draft is on the defensive side of ball, and with LOT being a strong class this draft think one of either Jack or Ragland will be there at 15. Jack had a meniscus tear, expects to be a full go at his pro day. Think Tree will be defensive signal caller this season, no matter where he aligns, Fisher always works in the round 1 guys sometime after 1st quarter of season is complete. Another defensive gem that could possibly drop to Rams is Noah Spence due to off field issues. Doubt he gets past Giants, they need a DE in the worst of ways but???

Fisher puts a lot of emphasis on shutting down run. Imperative you have roster flexibility to counter an opposing offense going power. Many will disagree but offenses are now transitioning away some from what led to the passing league designation and reemphasizing the downhill running attack. With so many defenses drafting and playing the passing league linebackers now, offenses have figured out the best way to attack them is to go power, which is leading to more play action in the passing game and the larger receivers we now see being effective as physicality, body control and catch radius are all too important as defenses caught up with the passing league concept and windows get tighter each season. NE still has Brady, but one look at the recent Super Bowl winners not named NE and we see the running attack and a league leading defense being the key to success and this is a copycat league. Think WA and Dallas are two great examples here, Dallas made wrong call between Murray/Bryant. Rapidly discovered it took more than a dominant Oline for downhill running attack to be successful. WA had greater results with Cousins due to addition of Scherff and Jones added to running attack. The passing league designation is still widely discussed but that is rapidly changing.

[Ants]

I don't think Jack gets out of the top 10 but stranger things have happened. Would guess it wouldn't take long for the Rams card to go in if he is still available unless it's due to medical issues or some other great player dropping. I'm a huge Bama fan and love Ragland. Still think he should be their target but I'm gonna take Fisher's word and believe Ogletree will be their MLB. If Ragland and Jack are both still available and there are no medical issues, I'd rather see them take Jack if Fisher really plans on Tree being their MLB. Personally, I don't really think either will still be available at pick #15. JMO.

Between the 2, I think Jack would certainly be the pick - but I doubt he makes it to 15.
I feel quite sure that Ragland will be there at 15. But like you said - taking Fisher's word for it I don't think the Rams take him.

[poplarbluffman]

doubt either will be Ragland has a low wonderlic and does look like a 2 down ilb...Jack is good but greater needs at other positions and likely gone by 15

depth chart runs the draft and depth chart says qb/wr at 15

[Ram Fan in U. City]

doubt either will be Ragland has a low wonderlic and does look like a 2 down ilb...Jack is good but greater needs at other positions and likely gone by 15

depth chart runs the draft and depth chart says qb/wr at 15

This draft is loaded with defensive linemen and a couple of really good linebackers. Rams can't afford to bypass a defensive stud to reach for a lesser QB or WR prospect at #15. BPA in the first round.

[poplarbluffman]

IMO QB and wr likely will be bpa at 15

add player for me is Lynch..IMO worth a top 5 pick....if he drops Rams have to trade up for him

add I'm coming closer to moving Lynch ahead of Wentz as a #2 qb in this draft

[Wildflecken]

IMO QB and wr likely will be bpa at 15

add player for me is Lynch..IMO worth a top 5 pick....if he drops Rams have to trade up for him

add I'm coming closer to moving Lynch ahead of Wentz as a #2 qb in this draft

Like Lynch a lot, just think this qb class comes off board sooner than anticipated. Doubt Lynch gets past SF. I actually have Lynch slightly ahead of Wentz in Rams scheme. Think Lynch is the best scheme fit qb in draft for Rams. Wentz is 2 so I would have no issues with Rams going either. Hope Cleveland goes Goff but they have Hue there now so??? Just unsure if Rams willing to sacrifice draft capitol with the two picks in second and such a deep class? Think they explore it but will pass, just my opinion. Now if Lynch does drop to 15 a no brainer.

wr could very well be bpa at 15 if no wr's come off board before Rams pick, a scenario more likely than Lynch being on board at 15. If, a big if, Brandt is being genuine about Cowboys not interested in a qb at 4, think they are Rams best trade partner if they are willing to sacrifice draft capitol for a qb. Draft is very deep at positions Cowboys need on defense. The extra picks could be very attractive to them this draft as they are in win now mode. The trade value chart suggests Rams could throw in both 2's this draft and Mason, a trade they may consider and a good point for discussions to begin. If Browns do go Goff look for these organizations to talk. Would give Rams choice of Wentz or Lynch, and move them ahead of SF?

[poplarbluffman]

Cowboys interviewed Lynch at the combine and previously interviewed Wentz...also interviewed Prescott, Allen and Brissett. Jerry Jones has a disconnect from reality and who knows what that guy is thinking...

noticed KC and Buffalo also interviewed Lynch..think they also would be interested in moving up if SF passes on Lynch...

looking at deep passing stats Lynch is much more accurate then Wentz so agree 100% a with you..also the better athlete
Wentz and Goff will go early then the draft will then center around who gets Lynch

[RamFanFor55]

Posted a thread yesterday about Fisher/Snead's ability to disguise true target in round 1 and speculated it could be Ragland. Ragland is special and I don't buy any of the concerns created for combine fodder about being only a 2 down lb in today's passing league. Anyone who watches tape on Ragland knows how this kid simply deciphers plays and gets to the football, period. And when he arrives, he arrives in a manner not seen for quite some time in the draft, reminiscent of some of the all time greats at the MIKE. But the Rams have moved to LA and there is another MIKE named Jack who could drop to 15 due to a knee issue, sound familiar? The knee injury here is not nearly as concerning as Gurley's was last draft, it is a meniscus versus the ligament. And similar to the Gurley selection last draft, one could speculate minus the injury Jack goes much higher in draft, top ten talent. SO not only is Jack a local prospect, helping the organization reconnect with the LA fanbase his selection presents the type value Snead in known to seek in draft.

Deciding between Jack or Ragland is a tough call. Both add an intriguing dimension. See Ragland's advantage over Jack in playing the run, but it is very close. Jack however could be the better fit scheme wise as I can already see GW dialing up one of the blitz's once ran by JL. Think either route Rams go here adds a dimension to defense that gets it one step closer to competing for leauges best

Like your analysis Wild, thanks. I, too, see Ragland's strength vs. the run, but proactively vs. the reactivity of JL. So a stop at the LOS vs. 5-6-7 (15!) yards past it. I see Ray Lewis-type aggression, something missing for a long time with Ram LBs. That said, I'm a Duck fan (live in Oregon), and watched Jack blow teams up for two years (until the injury). He's a db/rb who has packed on 20 pounds without losing much speed, and potentially could play the middle. That said, he's gone in the top 10. And I believe re-signing Barron is crucial. He and Tree have the wheels for good coverage, so it's a bit less vital that the MLB excel at that. Of course if you get a Kuechly, good on ya. Ragland may be a notch lower than Kuechly in coverage, but I'm seeing him a notch better against the run.

Re Henry, he's not in a lot of prospect top 50 lists (no TE is), maybe based on his disappointing Combine. I still think he'll be a very solid NFL TE, though, and if (likely) he's there at 43, the Rams should grab him. Then grab Kelly at 45, and the Rams have the draft's best MLB, TE and C. A WR in FA and the 3rd round (Miller and/or Doctson may slip that far), and DE/DT/CB in the 4th, depending on who re-signs, and I'm happy with the draft.

If no potentially starting WR is signed in FA, then probably a WR in the 2nd and C in the 3rd (Allen may not be that far behind Kelly).

[Wildflecken]

RamFan55 agree with your take on Henry, game tape over combine. Agree Rams should target proven wr in FA, however with coaching change maybe they now develop wr's better than track record under Fisher suggests. Like Henry a lot, however unsure he is a great scheme fit prospect for Rams, they very well could go TE in FA once again???

[RamFanFor55]

Posted a thread yesterday about Fisher/Snead's ability to disguise true target in round 1 and speculated it could be Ragland. Ragland is special and I don't buy any of the concerns created for combine fodder about being only a 2 down lb in today's passing league. Anyone who watches tape on Ragland knows how this kid simply deciphers plays and gets to the football, period. And when he arrives, he arrives in a manner not seen for quite some time in the draft, reminiscent of some of the all time greats at the MIKE. But the Rams have moved to LA and there is another MIKE named Jack who could drop to 15 due to a knee issue, sound familiar?

Deciding between Jack or Ragland is a tough call. Both add an intriguing dimension. See Ragland's advantage over Jack in playing the run, but it is very close. Jack however could be the better fit scheme wise as I can already see GW dialing up one of the blitz's once ran by JL. Think either route Rams go here adds a dimension to defense that gets it one step closer to competing for leauges best

I'm not seeing Jack as a pure Mike, while Ragland is. Jack's knee is a concern. If he's back to 2014--and I watched him blow up Pac12 offenses regularly 2013-14--he'll be a great OLB, in either a 3-4 or 4-3. But not a Mike. Ragland is...potentially Ray Lewis Mike. Be nice to have a guy who makes stops at the L.O.S. vs. 6-7-10 yards past it.

[Fearsome Foursome]

Interesting, Myles Jack at 15. I would like to know his 40 time. Can he be that difference maker for both both sides of the field (rushing QB and coverage)? If he is, then I say yes to take a chance at 15. But, over the top two QBs, no.

Thanks for question.

[RamFanFor55]

I don't think Jack gets out of the top 10 but stranger things have happened. Would guess it wouldn't take long for the Rams card to go in if he is still available unless it's due to medical issues or some other great player dropping. I'm a huge Bama fan and love Ragland. Still think he should be their target but I'm gonna take Fisher's word and believe Ogletree will be their MLB. If Ragland and Jack are both still available and there are no medical issues, I'd rather see them take Jack if Fisher really plans on Tree being their MLB. Personally, I don't really think either will still be available at pick #15. JMO.

Pretty much agree with your assessment 'Ghost. I think there's a 50-50 chance Ragland will be there at 15, but no more than 5-10% that Jack will. If he's there, and the knee checks out, grabbing Jack would be a no-brainer. As a Duck fan and Pac-12 devotee I watched the guy blow up offenses (and frighten a few defenses) for a couple years. Always around the ball, explosive, fast, smart. More versatile than Ragland, and beefed up to 240. Could be better than Kuechly.

But since he won't be there...I'd be happy with Ragland. If he and Jack are both gone, definitely trade down for more value. If Doctson is there at the bottom of the 1st a trade down gets him plus another 2nd. Henry's there at 43, a FS at 45, and center with the last 2nd rounder. LB/DT with the 3rd and 4th rounders--good draft.

That said, a LB trio of Jack-Tree-Barron could be something to behold...and Tree-Ragland-Barron wouldn't be bad, either.

[RamFanFor55]

Interesting, Myles Jack at 15. I would like to know his 40 time. Can he be that difference maker for both both sides of the field (rushing QB and coverage)? If he is, then I say yes to take a chance at 15. But, over the top two QBs, no.

Thanks for question.

Jack didn't do anything at the Combine, still rehabbing the knee. Mar 15 pro day at UCLA he didn't run, but 40" vertical ain't bad. 19 reps. He's supposed to have a workout April 1 (kind of a bad choice for the day, maybe...?). When he was 15 lbs lighter in 2013 and 2014 he absolutely flew around the field. If his knee's good, and he hits 4.6 or better on April 1, that should seal it as a top 10 pick. Unfortunately for the Rams.

[RamFanFor55]

Recent update: Apparently no personal pro day for Jack, per his agent. He's run 4.55 in the past, and they guy had that great vertical. Also, he doesn't turn 21 until September. Chicago's apparently very interested at 11, or might even move up to get him.

[NN1Badboy]

Hearing Jack is a faster version of Ray Lewis, makes me think he could be what puts this defense over the top. But who is going to play FS this year?

[Rampager66]

Hearing Jack is a faster version of Ray Lewis, makes me think he could be what puts this defense over the top. But who is going to play FS this year?

Christian Bryant?