Fansided

2016 NFL Mock Draft: Week 3 edition

By Dani Bostick

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the podium on stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
20 of 32
Next
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) celebrates the win over the Oregon Ducks after a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) celebrates the win over the Oregon Ducks after a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

OT. Michigan State. Jack Conklin. 19. player. 87.

Almost all analysts agree that reinforcing the offensive line should be the Panthers top objective in the 2016 draft.  Michael Oher is not a permanent solution at offensive tackle for the Panthers. As a stopgap measure the team has brought back center Fernando Velasco, who has been around the league for a while, filling in effectively for Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey in 2013 before he himself was sidelined with an injury.

Velasco was “brought back” because the team released him at the end of the preseason. It is clear Velasco was not their first choice. If he had been, the Panthers would have kept him on board.

What are the Panthers to do?

If Ohio State’s Taylor Decker is no longer available– and he should be off the board by this point in the draft– Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin is the best choice for the Panthers, unless the injury he sustained in this week’s game proves to be complicated. So far, his team has not revealed his prognosis.

Conklin is uncannily effective in the run game and has only given up 2.5 sacks in his career. He is both mentally and physically quick, a combination of characteristics that helps him accurately assess the situation on the field. Like other offensive linemen likely to enter the 2016 draft, Conklin can have poor balance and struggle with edge rushers.

He has demonstrated steady improvement throughout his college career. In fact, out of high school he did not receive any scholarship offers. He was a walk-on for the Spartans. He is extremely coachable, and has been effective against some no-joke scary defensive ends. He should be able to make a positive impact his rookie year.

Next: No. 20 San Diego Chargers

Home/Arizona Cardinals