12th Man Rising
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NFL First Round Mock Draft, Seahawks get defensive

By Dan Viens

Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) runs with the ball as Louisville Cardinals defensive end Sheldon Rankins (98) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Albert Reid (5) runs the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
September 5, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers running back Albert Reid (5) runs the ball against the defense of UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #12: New Orleans Saints – Myles Jack, OLB, UCLA

The Saints are in bad shape. They’re terrible on defense, significantly over the salary cap, and have an aging quarterback with a shrinking window of opportunity in Drew Brees. Much of the headlines in New Orleans this off season will be big-name cap casualty cuts, and just this week they made guard Jahri Evans the first to go.

Like the Bears, there will be needs all over the board, which places them squarely in best-player-available mode. Jack is still working his way back from ACL surgery in September but should be ready to go by the time the season starts. If his medicals all check out, he would be a bit of a steal at #12.

An elite athlete who could have been a first rounder as a running back if he chose to focus on offense (he was Offensive and Defensive Freshman Of The Year in the Pac-12 in 2013 playing both ways), his highest ceiling is as a dynamic, play-making outside linebacker. He has the kind of burst and change-of-pace agility to rush the quarterback and also turn and shadow WR’s down the field. This unique combination of skills helps him make up for a relative lack of height at the position at 6’1″.

As soon as he’s deemed 100% ready to play, Jack should be able to contribute as a rookie. The Saints will need him to.

Next: On the clock: Philadelphia

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