Summary

Jack Conklin was drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft, Round 1, (pick 8) out of Michigan State University. Conklin entered the NFL as a high-end offensive tackle prospect known for his physicality, technique and readiness. He fits the mold of a strong run-blocking tackle who can anchor a line and provide stability, especially in offenses that stress the ground game or use heavier personnel groupings. His fundamentals—balance, hand use, durability—make him a reliable starter.

That said, his profile also comes with caveats. Against elite, speedy edge rushers or in systems that demand constant lateral reach and mirror passes, his athletic limitations and pad-level tendencies could be exposed. His pass protection was very good but not deemed “elite” in all reports, and his ultimate ceiling was tied to system fit and development.

In essence: Conklin projects as a very good to potentially great tackle, especially in the right scheme, with a higher floor than many thanks to his strength and technique—but with less of the ultra-high ceiling attached to the most athletic tackles who dominate purely with speed/movement.

Strengths

• Powerful run-blocking and physicality: Conklin earned strong marks for his ability to drive defenders off the ball, sustain blocks, and influence the run game. Bleacher Report

• Technique, hand placement and balance: He showed very sound fundamentals—good knee bend, hand placement, balance—which aided both run and pass-pro performances.

• Durability and readiness to play early: His college career showed consistency and starters’ snaps, and the draft profiles noted him as “ready to play quickly.”

• Versatility and scheme flexibility: Though projected initially at tackle, his skill-set allowed teams to consider him in multiple line roles, especially in heavier or power-run schemes. PFF

• High run-blocking grades in the NFL: After entering the league, his performance in run blocking was among the better tackles in the league (per analytics) during his earlier seasons. Dawgs By Nature

Weaknesses

• Athleticism limitations / foot-speed vs elite edge rushers: Some scouting reports flagged that while well-rounded, Conklin lacked elite quickness, especially when asked to mirror very fast edge rushers or handle tricky speed moves.

• Leverage and pad-level issues relative to his size: At 6′6″, some notes pointed out that his height could make him susceptible to shorter, more compact defenders who could get under his pads. The Jet Press

• Pass-pro refinement and recovery in elite matchups: While solid, his pass-pro was not considered elite, and his ability to recover when beaten off the snap or when defenses used counters was questioned. PFF

• Best fit in power/run-heavy or zone schemes rather than extreme speed-mirroring systems: Some draft analysis suggested that his ceiling might be somewhat scheme-dependent rather than universal.

Fit & Outlook

• Fit:

• Best utilized in offenses that emphasize the run game, utilize zone or gap schemes that allow him to drive blocks and use his power.

• In pass-blocking, he fits well as a tackle who can anchor and sustain once engaged, rather than simply relying on elite recovery speed to mirror the fastest rushers.

• He may be less ideal in offensive systems that ask tackles to constantly pull, reach laterally for long runs, or neutralize top-tier speed rushers one-on-one on island without support.

• Outlook:

• Short-Term: Conklin should provide immediate impact and durability as a starter, particularly valued for his run-blocking and ability to protect the quarterback in fundamental ways.

• Medium-Term: If he continues to refine his technique in pass protection, maintains health, and remains in systems that play to his strengths, he could ascend into the upper tier of tackles in the league.