Tennessee Titans select Jack Conklin: Draft grade

With the eighth pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans select Jack Conklin, offensive tackle, Michigan State University.

Height: 6’6″

Weight: 308 lbs

40-yard dash: 5.00

Notable stat: 38 career starts at Michigan State University

Coming out of high school, Conklin amazingly did not receive a single scholarship offer from any Division I school, initially attending Michigan State as a preferred walk-on. However, the son of a football coach quickly impressed his new coach, Mark Dantonio, and earned a full athletic scholarship before the end of his redshirt season.

Conklin started 13 games as a freshmen, 10 at left tackle and three right tackle. Sophomore year, the overlooked Plainwell, Michigan native finally received some recognition by earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. As a junior, Conklin dominated nearly every opponent he faced, holding fellow 2016 NFL Draft class members DeForest Buckner and Joey Bosa to zero total sacks in two games.

For his tremendous efforts that helped lead the Spartans to the College Football Playoff, Conklin was named first-team All-Big Ten and an All-American. Several NFL scouts admire him for his strength, active, powerful hands, and his versatility in both run and pass blocking.

On the other hand, Conklin’s detractors note his lack of athleticism and question his ability to compete with the speed of elite edge-rushers.

Grade: C-

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