Oakland Raiders: First round options after signing Donald Penn
By Austin Gayle
Jack Conklin
Yes, I still think Oakland should consider to continue to upgrade their already talented offensive line high in the draft, and especially if some of the other guys previously mentioned on this list aren’t there, former Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin has to be the guy.
Conklin, a former walk-on at Michigan State, is a scrappy, physical offensive lineman that makes an effort to finish blocks through the whistle and put his man on his back on every down. He is an impact blocker in the run game that excels at punching defenders off the line of scrimmage with his initial pop. Though he doesn’t have ideal athleticism and quickness to consistently contain speed off the edge in the passing game, Conklin is smart with his hands and can mirror defenders if he can get a step on them off the snap.
At 6’6”, 308 pounds, Conklin also can struggle to appropriately lower his pad level and still needs to learn to effectively use both his lower and upper body when engaging defenders.
Given his current limitations in pass protection, Conklin may find a home at right tackle early in his career, but he still contains all of the tools necessary to develop into a top-tier left tackle in this league.
With Penn only getting older and the question marks surrounding the right tackle position, Raiders offensive line coach Mike Tice would have an opportunity to mold Conklin at right tackle during his rookie campaign, and as he gains experience at the NFL level, Tice could effectively prepare Conklin to take over Penn at left tackle once he finally decides to hang up the cleats.