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Titans: Jack Conklin’s elite preseason gives hope for resurgence

By Michael Moraitis

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans and Jack Conklin #78 walk off the field at the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 40-17 win over the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on November 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans and Jack Conklin #78 walk off the field at the conclusion of the Pittsburgh Steelers 40-17 win over the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field on November 16, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin, is having an elite preseason that could be a sign of an incoming resurgence to his career.

It has been a rough few years for Tennessee Titans right tackle, Jack Conklin, but a great start to the preseason gives hope that he’s finally back on track.

After being named a First-Team All-Pro in his rookie season, Conklin has dealt with injuries and poor play that have clouded his future. As a result of those injuries and inconsistency, the Titans declined to pick up Conklin’s fifth-year option during the offseason.

Part of the reason for the start of Conklin’s career downturn was a result of a torn ACL injury suffered during a playoff loss to the New England Patriots during the 2017 season.

In 2018, Conklin seemed to have come back before he was ready and didn’t look the same. His third year in the NFL was cut short thanks to another knee injury. Conklin played in nine games, ultimately landing on Injured Reserve after the Week 14 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But all that is history now. Conklin has come to play through the Titans’ first two preseason games, en route to some of the best numbers in football thus far.

According to Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus, Conklin is having an elite preseason. The former No. 8 overall pick from 2016 has graded out as the No. 2 offensive lineman (90.6) in the NFL through the Titans’ first two preseason games.

"After a career mired by injuries, Conklin didn’t get his fifth-year option picked up by the Titans this offseason. Through two preseason contests, he looks like a man set out to prove that move foolish. He’s allowed one hurry on 20 pass-blocking snaps and earned a 93.8 run-blocking grade on eight snaps in the run game. Conklin was a one-time PFF All-Pro right tackle back in 2016, but he has been unable to recapture that form since as his grade has decreased each season."

The difference in Conklin is noticeable, especially on the field. When watching the Titans’ preseason games, it’s clear the Michigan St. product is creating space in the run game and protecting his quarterback, and his grades back that up.

Conklin is a man on a mission, and it’s been clear since very early on in training camp that he’s motivated.

He’s healthy, in great shape, and proclaimed that the right tackle job was his from the get-go. There was some speculation that fellow tackle, Dennis Kelly, could take it from him after Kelly played well in Conklin’s absence last season.

Of course, Kelly was forced into left tackle duty once it was announced Taylor Lewan was facing a suspension, however it appears there will be no competition on the right side after Dad returns in Week 5 based on how well Conklin is playing.

We always knew the talent was there with Jack Conklin, he just had to get his injury issues under control. Now that he seems to have done that and has something to prove, the Titans could be getting a player back who was arguably one of the best at his position at the start of his career.

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