Myles Jack

FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2015, file photo, UCLA linebacker Myles Jack is shown during an NCAA college football game against BYU, in Pasadena, Calif. Football fans see the NFLis annual scouting combine as merely a numbers game that comes down to the times, jumps and drills they see on television. NFL executives are more interested in getting behind-the-scenes answers through medical checks and personal interviews. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok, File)

(Danny Moloshok)

One of the Eagles' bigger needs being overlooked, as the team flirts with every quarterback in the draft and talks about the offensive line and secondary, is linebacker.

With the transition to the 4-3 defense, under coordinator Jim Schwartz, Connor Barwin has been moved to the defensive line. That leaves oft-injured Mychal Kendricks, second-year man Jordan Hicks, with just seven career NFL games and Nigel Bradham as the projected starters.

So what if UCLA's Myles Jack, considered the best linebacker in the draft by scouts across the league, were to be on the board when the Eagles are on the clock at No. 8?

"They should take him,'' one of the scouts said. "If you're going best player available theory, I don't see how he wouldn't be the best player at No. 8.''

Jack, 6-1, 240, can play any of the three linebacker positions in the 4-3, but is best suited for the weak side.

"You want him out in space where he can make plays for you,'' another scout said. "That's his strengths. But he could play anywhere.''

For Jack to fall to the Eagles a few things would have to happen. First, at least two of the three first-round quarterbacks -- Carson Wentz, Jared Goff or Paxton Lynch -- would have to go in the first seven picks, which certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility.

Then the other five picks in whatever order would have to be Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner, Florida State's defensive back Jalen Ramsey, one or both of the top tackles, Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley or Michigan State's Jack Conklin and one of two of Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves or Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott.

That's not so far-fetched.

"He's the best player in the draft,'' one scout of Jack. "He's a slam dunk. The safest pick of them all.

"Could he fall to No. 8? I would doubt it. I mean, he shouldn't. But if a team falls in love with the running back, and someone else wants a corner or a tackle, I guess there's a shot.''

Mark Eckel may be reached at mjeck04@verizon.net. Follow him on Twitter @MarkEckel08. Find NJ.com Eagles on Facebook.

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