Jaguars LB Myles Jack could have larger role against Colts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – After selecting Myles Jack No. 36 overall in the 2016 NFL draft, there was a wide belief that the Jaguars had come away with the steal of the draft. Prior to questions about a previous knee injury Jack was a projected top 10 pick.

The expectation was that he would contribute immediately to the Jaguars rebuilt defense. Through three games that hasn’t happened. Jack has played a total of 16 defensive snaps, all coming in garbage time during the Jaguars blowout loss in San Diego.

Originally the Jaguars plan was for Jack to learn middle linebacker. It was their belief that if Jack learned that position he would understand the entire defense better. Towards the end of the preseason he was moved to weak side linebacker. With Paul Posluszny at middle linebacker and Telvin Smith on the weak side, that’s left Jack as the odd man out.

“I don’t think anything’s top secret,” said Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash. “I just think there are other positions he can play on our defense besides the MIKE and the WILL. So we’ll see how this week goes but we’re trying to have a plan together for him because he’s a good football player. He understands that those guys in front of him are playing well, but we got to find a way to get him on the grass.”

Jack is too talented to be relegated to special teams. Jaguars linebacker Dan Skuta, who plays the OTTO position in their defense, hasn’t practiced all week because of a hip injury. With Skuta’s status for Sunday against the Colts up in the air, the Jaguars are experimenting with Jack at strong side linebacker.

“He is a guy that, even today, he played multiple positions,” said Jaguars coach Gus Bradley. “He is setting himself up. I know we feel like he is getting better and we are putting a lot on his plate. I would say in the last two weeks he has really grown as far as being in shape and handling all the duties we are asking of him.”