Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Under the tutelage of head coach Mark Dantonio, Michigan State University has developed an aura of gritty, blue collar, bring your lunch pail type of football mentality. The NFL has seen a number of hard-nosed, tough-minded type of players from LeVeon Bell to Jeremy Langford to Kirk Cousins.
Dantonio has seemed to mold and build another player from his factory that fits that same criteria of past Spartans. Offensive tackle Jack Conklin is the latest talent that will carry on the name of Michigan State into the NFL. Let’s diagnose the skilled offensive lineman.
Height: 6’6
Weight: 317
Strengths: Nice size which fits the prototype measurements for an NFL left tackle….Good at pass blocking but even better as a run blocker….Able to drive defenders to the ground in run blocking….When latched on, Conklin can stonewall a defender……Displays consistent awareness in picking up stunts and recognizing blitzes….Experience at left and right tackle……Difficult to drive backwards as Conklin possesses a strong upper body….Aggressive and maintains physical play at the point of attack…..Difficult to beat if he gets his hands on defenders first….Also shows ability to block down on interior defensive linemen.
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Weaknesses: Conklin will never be mistaken as an athletic offensive tackle….Limited as an offensive tackle as he needs work on pulling on sweeps, stretch runs, outside zone, etc……Quick edge rushers will get the best of him at times…..Somewhat inconsistent as a pass blocker…..Possibly better at right tackle than left…..Shows a tendency to get high at times.
Bottom line: When it comes to pure run blockers, Conklin is among the best. At Michigan State, a run heavy offense was seen running behind Conklin numerous times as he took on defenders, advanced to the next level and blasted his way to create massive holes. Given his niche and how stout he is, I would say Conklin is a first rounder. However, don’t confuse him as a top ten, can’t miss prospect.
He is “ok” as a pass blocker and shows enough dents in his armor of fundamentals that illustrates he needs to tweaking. He is capable of being a solid left tackle. Yet, if he’s able to get selected and step in at right tackle on day one, Conklin should be considered.