Jack Conklin is the new right tackle for the Cleveland Browns. Signing the former Titans standout for three years and $42 million brings Conklin to Cleveland four years later than when a Browns draft pick was used to select him in the top 10 overall.
Flashback to April of 2016…
The Browns, then led by de facto GM Sashi Brown and new head coach Hue Jackson, held the No. 8 pick in the draft. Seeking to make a bigger mark by acquiring more picks, the Browns traded away that pick to the Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee shot up from No. 15 overall to snag Conklin, a late-blooming star tackle from Michigan State who progressed from walk-on to All-American. He earned All-Pro honors as a Titans rookie.
In return for the pick that became Conklin, the Browns netted:
- 2016 No. 15 overall, WR Corey Coleman
- 76th overall, OL Shon Coleman
- 2017 2nd round, QB DeShone Kizer
Browns fans know the fate of the Colemans and Kizer all too well. None were with the team beyond the 2017 season. Corey Coleman and Kizer have also been unceremoniously dumped by their next teams, too.
Signing Conklin is a fitting dose of aftershave on the harsh burn from the 2016 draft trade. It brings the No. 8 pick in the 2016 draft full circle back to Cleveland. Better late than never…