Oakland Raiders: Five Post-Combine Prospects to Watch
By Austin Gayle
Jack Conklin
With Donald Penn still not under contract, the Raiders have a pressing need at both right and left tackle heading into next season. Yes, they have reportedly said resigning Penn is among their top priorities, but investing in the trenches early in the draft and getting younger at the position is an option Oakland should look to take advantage of in the draft.
Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin is an aggressive run blocker that often plays to the echo of the whistle, as he always is making an effort to get the final push in and put his man on the ground. In pass protection, Conklin thrives as a technician with ideal hand placement and reliable footwork. At 6’6”, 308 pounds, Conklin also has the size you look for in a bully-type offensive tackle, and his 35” arms ranks slightly above average among NFL offensive linemen. Conklin also ran a 5.00 second 40-yard dash in the scouting combine, the fourth-fastest time among all offensive linemen.
As for his weaknesses, Conklin has previously struggled with pad level in both the run game and in pass protection, and as a result, opposing defensive linemen have been able to win one-on-one battles when they win the leverage battle. Conklin has a tendency to rely on his upper body strength to move defenders rather than sinking down and using his legs to push guys off the line of scrimmage. Also, he is vulnerable to pure speed-rushers coming off the edge, so right tackle might make more sense for him upon entering the NFL.
Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice would have to develop Conklin in some areas if he is going to become a reliable starter in their offense, but he still has the potential to an impactful, run-blocking right tackle.