New York Jets: Jack Conklin might be a lock to protect Sam Darnold
Jack Conklin makes sense for the New York Jets’ plans to better protect Sam Darnold and the right tackle may be a lock to join Gang Green in free agency.
Many people were high on the New York Jets as a possible sleeper in the 2019 season. With quarterback Sam Darnold entering his second season, Le’Veon Bell entering the fray and some enticing pieces on defense, it seemed plausible in the first year under head coach Adam Gase. Instead, mono, poor and inconsistent play, and general disappointment led to an alternative outcome.
There are issues to address on both sides of the football for the Jets off of their 7-9 season. However, none of those issues may be as dire as the offensive line that needs to protect Darnold and lead the way for Bell in the rushing attack. It figures that New York will be aggressive both in free agency and the NFL Draft to address that.
One player that appears to be in their sights is former Tennessee Titans right tackle Jack Conklin. According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, the Jets are heavily interested in Conklin as he hits free agency for the first time in his young career. Moreover, Pauline also reports that the Jets are prepared to offer him more money than any other team in the league and, subsequently, the tackle is likely on his way to the Big Apple.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
After earning a First-Team All-Pro nod as a rookie in 2016, Conklin endured some injuries with the team that drafted him No. 8 overall. That led to them not picking up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract and, thus, him hitting free agency.
In 2019, however, Conklin stayed healthy and proved that he’s one of the better right tackles in the league. While not quite on the level of Mitchell Schwartz just yet, the 25-year-old out of Michigan State can be a force on the end of an offensive line. And it’s clear the Jets need that on their line after having the No. 28-ranked offensive line in 2019 according to PFF.
Whether it was allowing Darnold the proper time for routes to develop and make the right throws or giving Bell the opportunity to cook when he got the ball, the Jets offense failed to function because of the offensive line. So going all-in on a player of Conklin’s caliber to address that would make a ton of sense. He’s an immediate proven answer at a position of need for New York.
To be sure, Conklin should not be the only player that the Jets add to their offensive line — this is an across the board problem for them. Taking a left tackle with the No. 11 pick in the 2020 draft isn’t out of the question, as is using more of their cap room in free agency. But Conklin would be one heck of a place to start.
Next. Best landing spot for top 20 NFL free agents. dark
Considering the report that they are going to make an offer no one is willing to match for Conklin, the Jets might overpay a bit for their tackle. However, given their current situation, that would be just fine. If it allows Darnold to actually perform and develop, as well as for Bell to be an asset on offense, than whatever they pay to upgrade their O-line will be worth it.