The 2019 Cleveland Browns had problems on both ends of their offensive line with their tackles.
That's being kind on my part, but the interior line of the line looks strong entering 2020 and if the Browns were serious about improving the line, something had to be accomplished.
The Browns certainly didn't want to start two rookie tackles, so they were thought to be major players for an offensive tackle in free agency and they were as Cleveland signed arguably the best available tackle as Jack Conklin signed a three-year contract for forty-two million dollars.
The twenty-six-year-old Conklin will immediately slot in for the Browns at right tackle and while it's left tackles that usually get paid the type of money that Conklin will receive to play right tackle, the Browns were in desperate need for a veteran tackle and while the Browns may have preferred a veteran at left tackle to protect Baker Mayfield's blind side, quality left tackles are a rare animal in the free-agent market.
Conklin was selected in the first round of the 2016 draft (eighth overall) from Michigan State and other than a few games in 2018 recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the 2017 playoffs, Conklin has been durable for the Tennessee Titans since his debut.
Conklin is noted for being a good blocker in pass protection but is an elite level tackle in the running game and could be the best right tackle in the game as a pure run blocker.
Conklin is more of a mauler at 6'6 than most tackles of his size as often taller tackles are more angular power forward types that use their size and quickness to make their blocks.
That's not the game of Conklin, who is more of an old school physical grinder that occasionally can be vulnerable by more athletic speed rushers.
Conklin will replace Chris Hubbard at right tackle who was awful in his two seasons since Hubbard was signed as a free agent from Pittsburgh and will change the position from strength to weakness along with upgrading the line on the overall.
Conklin, left guard Joel Bitonio, and center J.C. Tretter makes a strong nucleus of an offensive line with the likely high draft pick (either first or second round) replacing Greg Robinson at left tackle joining the unit.
The only position that should be open entering training camp in Berea is left guard as Wyatt Teller, who was acquired from Buffalo late in training camp last season will battle Drew Forbes, who impressed many in camp before a knee injury and former Ohio State Buckeye Malcolm Pridgeon for the spot.
At 26, Jack Conklin should be reaching his peak years and it appears that Tennessee, with their commitment to the power running game, has made a big mistake in not picking up his fifth-year option before last season.
This is my favorite signing of all as it shows that Kevin Stefanski's plans for the Browns are to install a power running game mindset, establish the run, and wear teams down physically which in the AFC North is a must.
Next time, I'll be writing about the Browns signing of Case Keenum as the backup quarterback where Keenum could mentor, backup or maybe push Baker Mayfield in a make or break season for the former Heisman winner.
Conklin was selected in the first round of the 2016 draft (eighth overall) from Michigan State and other than a few games in 2018 recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the 2017 playoffs, Conklin has been durable for the Tennessee Titans since his debut.
Conklin is noted for being a good blocker in pass protection but is an elite level tackle in the running game and could be the best right tackle in the game as a pure run blocker.
Conklin is more of a mauler at 6'6 than most tackles of his size as often taller tackles are more angular power forward types that use their size and quickness to make their blocks.
That's not the game of Conklin, who is more of an old school physical grinder that occasionally can be vulnerable by more athletic speed rushers.
Conklin will replace Chris Hubbard at right tackle who was awful in his two seasons since Hubbard was signed as a free agent from Pittsburgh and will change the position from strength to weakness along with upgrading the line on the overall.
Conklin, left guard Joel Bitonio, and center J.C. Tretter makes a strong nucleus of an offensive line with the likely high draft pick (either first or second round) replacing Greg Robinson at left tackle joining the unit.
The only position that should be open entering training camp in Berea is left guard as Wyatt Teller, who was acquired from Buffalo late in training camp last season will battle Drew Forbes, who impressed many in camp before a knee injury and former Ohio State Buckeye Malcolm Pridgeon for the spot.
At 26, Jack Conklin should be reaching his peak years and it appears that Tennessee, with their commitment to the power running game, has made a big mistake in not picking up his fifth-year option before last season.
This is my favorite signing of all as it shows that Kevin Stefanski's plans for the Browns are to install a power running game mindset, establish the run, and wear teams down physically which in the AFC North is a must.
Next time, I'll be writing about the Browns signing of Case Keenum as the backup quarterback where Keenum could mentor, backup or maybe push Baker Mayfield in a make or break season for the former Heisman winner.
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