NFL Draft 2016: Jack Conklin Generating Top Ten Buzz

Michigan State’s Jack Conklin is generating buzz as a potential top ten pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Former Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin has been a popular, yet somewhat controversial target for the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Not all fans are in love with him as the Lions first round pick ahead of some other offensive tackles who could be options, but any discussion would be rendered moot if current buzz comes to pass.

When the 2016 NFL Draft finally opens next Thursday night, Conklin may not have to wait long to hear his name called. Whether because the draft media is just catching up to what NFL scouting departments have thought for a while, or because he truly is a late riser, Conklin is now getting talked up as a potential top ten pick.

In the first sign of a shakeup in conventional thinking about how offensive tackles might come off the board in this draft, ESPN’s Louis Riddick had Ronnie Stanley sixth and Jack Conklin seventh in his mock draft earlier this week. The biggest shock was the idea of Laremy Tunsil not being the first offensive tackle off the board, but a top ten pick for Conklin was a big surprise as well.

In their television mock draft special that aired on ESPN this week, Mel Kiper and Todd McShay had Conklin going seventh overall to the San Francisco 49ers.

But the sudden top ten hype for Conklin isn’t limited to the info coming out of ESPN. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller isn’t so sure the 49ers will be landing spot for Conklin like in the Kiper-McShay mock draft but he is relaying word that the top ten talk is real.

Tony Pauline had a series of draft rumors posted on Walter Football today that also spoke to Conklin’s potential as a top ten pick. The first links Conklin to the Cleveland Browns, who now hold the eighth overall pick after their blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles:

"I’m told he’s being considered as an option for the Browns with the eighth pick. The team desperately needs a right tackle, and they met with Conklin extensively during Michigan State’s pro day."

If not the Browns, Pauline notes the possibility of the Tennessee Titans trading up to the tenth pick currently held by the New York Giants with Conklin being the potential target:

"Though just speculation, I could see the Giants trading down, collecting extra picks then getting Treadwell in the middle of Round 1. The Tennessee Titans could be the perfect trading partner, as the team has a host of extra selections, thanks to the trade with the Los Angeles Rams, and have stated their desire to move back into the draft’s top 10 selections. As I’ve previously stated, offensive tackle Jack Conklin is the name I hear most associated with the Titans."

Pauline’s note about the Titans indicates that even if they don’t move up, Conklin could be a strong target if he doesn’t end up going in the top ten.

Next: Defense Dominates in Lions 7-Round Mock Draft

With the Lions sitting a pick behind the Titans, that leads to the strong possibility that Conklin is off the board by the time the Lions pick whether he is a top ten pick or not.