Titans trade up to select Jack Conklin

Following a trade with the Cleveland Browns, the Tennessee Titans have selected offensive tackle Jack Conklin out of Michigan State with the eighth pick of the 2016 NFL Draft on Thursday.

For the rights to the pick, the Titans sent the 15th overall pick, a third-round pick in 2016, and a second-round pick in 2017 to the Browns.

Conklin should immediately help the club protect star quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was battered during his rookie season in 2015. With Conklin bookended by 2014 first-round pick Taylor Lewan at the other tackle, the Titans' offensive line's future certainly looks bright.

Jack Conklin Bio

Position: OT
School: Michigan State
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-6
Weight: 308 lbs.

Strengths

• Competitiveness sets him apart as he grinds opposing rushers down. Also recovers well when beat and finishes plays.
• Wide base and strong anchor shuts down attempts at straight forward, power rushes. Hard to beat on a bull rush.
• Never shies away from contact at the second level and with his initial punch.
• Developed into a team leader after being a preferred walk-on as a freshman.

Weaknesses

• Little to no finesse in his game which may limit him as a pure pass-protector and force him to fit in at right tackle.
• Quickness and footwork need to improve. Average athleticism makes him susceptible to elite pass-rushers that utilize more than just an initial burst.
• Speed rushers could expose his plodding footwork off the edge.

Combine Results