Eagles Draft Battle: Jack Conklin vs Taylor Decker

After re-signing quarterback Sam Bradford, the need for a quarterback in a draft that does not boast a superstar becomes much less pressing. That leaves the needs of offensive line, wide receiver, safety and linebacker as the ones yet to be addressed. At this point it is looking more and more likely that the Philadelphia Eagles take an offensive lineman in the first round. Who will it be?

There are four clear cut first round talents when it comes to the offensive line. The first tier consists of Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, who projects as a top three talent and top five pick, and Notre Dame offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, who projects as a top five talent and top ten pick.

Both Tunsil and Stanley could be perennial pro bowl superstars and will not make it to the Eagles pick at 13 barring an unforeseen turn of events.

The next tier of offensive tackles is certainly a step down. Michigan State’s Jack Conklin and Ohio State’s Taylor Decker are the next level of offensive tackles. Both are mid-late first round values that could be considered a reach at 13. However, that will likely not stop the Eagles, or another team, from addressing such an important need.

While it is still up for debate whether or not offensive tackle is truly the right decision in the first round, especially given the depth there, it is still important to decide which one of these two second tier tackles is a better fit for the Eagles.

Let’s start with Conklin. The Michigan State product went from a high school player without a single FBS offer, to a walk-on at Michigan State, to a starting left tackle, and now he is the third offensive tackle in the draft according to many experts.

Conklin is a very tough fighter at tackle with great technique. He is very intelligent at tackle, he knows how to not get beat and how to recover when he is getting beat. He also has very powerful hands and can move anyone, even fellow top prospect Oregon defensive end DeForest Buckner looked like Conklin’s play thing when they went head to head.

My problem with Conklin is that, as walk-ons often do, he lacks the natural athleticism that top NFL talents are born with. His footwork can be slow and while he was much faster than expected at the combine, it was evident that he loses body control when attempting to run as fast as he can.

Conklin has a high floor, but a lower ceiling than other talents. That being said, considering he’d be slotted at guard to start his career, and then be kicked out to right tackle once incumbent left tackle Jason Peters moves on, the Eagles likely cannot go wrong.

Then there is Taylor Decker. Decker is an inch taller than Conklin (6’7”) but is slightly smaller in every other way. Decker tends to stand up more when blocking which will be taken advantage of in the NFL. He also can look stiff at times. However, his major issues can be taught over time.

Decker is more athletic and more naturally talented than Conklin. His footwork is better and he makes excellent use of kick-slides. He also has powerful hands and fights hard to win initial battles and battles in the secondary. Decker profiles better as a right tackle in the NFL, which again is perfect for the Eagles.

At the end of the day, it really is a toss up between these two talents, but the right choice should be Decker. While Conklin is more highly touted after his combine showing, Decker’s on-field performance is more effortless and he has been an anchor for Ohio State, even during their National Championship run.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles Look Ahead to Free Agency

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