A Detroit Lions Offensive Line Prospect For Every Round of the NFL Draft
By Eli Kaplan
There’s several offensive linemen prospects who could go in the first round. Ole Miss tackle Laremy Tunsil and Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley will likely already be off the board by the time Detroit selects 16th overall.
The Lions could have their choice of tackles Jack Conklin and Taylor Decker, and center Ryan Kelly.
In this scenario, I predict the Lions will go with Conklin – the longtime Michigan State lineman.
Conklin is a well-rounded offensive tackle prospect. Though he might not be great at any one thing, he is very good in several areas. Conklin is a very willing run blocker, who wins with toughness and good hand engagement.
As a pass blocker, he has very good technique and solid footwork, and plays with an appropriately wide base.
Conklin could work on improving his overall foot-speed to enhance his chances for sustained success at the NFL level.
While Conklin isn’t the natural athlete Laremy Tunsil is, he is tough, competitive, and technically sound. He doesn’t have quite as high a ceiling as Tunsil or Stanley, but he has a high floor, and is a shoe-in to be a starter at the left tackle position from day one of his NFL career.
Next: Second Round