2016 NFL Scouting Combine: Players the San Francisco 49ers Should Watch
By Peter Panacy
OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State
The 49ers are in desperate need of help along their offensive line this offseason and may have even more questions should free-agent-to-be guard Alex Boone departs.
San Francisco’s right side seems the most precarious even if retired right tackle Anthony Davis returns, so it’s perfectly reasonable to assume general manager Trent Baalke looks towards the draft to supplement this need.
Michigan State offensive tackle Jack Conklin is listed, per CBS, as a late first-round target — far away from the 49ers’ No. 7 overall selection — and the No. 24 overall prospect. The 6’6″, 318-pound prospect has some movement concerns, according to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, so the combine will provide a better glimpse into what Conklin may offer.
Here’s what Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus wrote about Conklin and why the combine will be so important to him:
"He’s graded inside the top three amongst draft eligible tackles in the past two years, but Jack Conklin’s draft stock appears to have taken a hit due to some concern about his athleticism. That’s certainly a part of the evaluation process, and he would benefit from a strong combine to somewhat disprove that assertion. Conklin needs to focus attention on his skills as a pass blocker, where he allowed just 13 total pressures in 2015."
Should the 49ers consider trading down in Round 1 — not a bad idea if a plethora of good picks is netted in exchange — Conklin could be on Baalke’s radar and at good value.
Provided the prospect has a good combine.
Next: WR Laquon Treadwell