Cleveland Browns: 3 potential first time Pro Bowlers for 2020

Jack Conklin – OT

Jack Conklin was an All-Pro as a rookie but he never saw the Pro Bowl. He was a big addition to the Cleveland Browns and should be a stalwart for the team going forward, assuming he can stay consistent after leaving the Titans. He’ll have to deal with a big question mark for a while in the play of his guard-mate, Wyatt Teller, however. Teller is expected to start next to Conklin on the line but that particular spot is one of much debate over the offseason. Many Browns fans and insiders see it as the biggest offensive weakness, besides receiver depth. If Teller becomes a liability, how will that affect Conklin’s play?

Conklin may also find himself shuffled around some this season. The Cleveland Browns are focused on getting rookie Jedrick Wills ready for the start of the season, who’s learning a new position (a former right-tackle) and a new playbook. He’s also doing this during a pandemic that negated a lot of off-season practices. Wills may simply not be ready to start this year. While there isn’t much discussion about it publically or otherwise, the fact is Conklin is a candidate to start at left tackle if Wills or whoever isn’t able to.

Something similar between 2001 and 2002, where left guard Ross Verba was moved to left tackle after a string of inconsistent options were marched out.

Conklin’s presence on the line though, no matter where, will be one that’s needed, especially with protecting Baker Mayfield. After a season of just awful line-play from just about all parties involved, someone like Conklin can bring a real presence and makeover the squad. He, Wills, guard Joel Bitonio, and center J.C. Tretter could be part of the best unit in the NFL, and should the line return to the form it once had in 2007, then that will largely be due to Conklin stepping up beyond his expectations.

Either as an unexpected left tackle to fill in for Wills or as a right tackle where he helps Teller cover up some inconsistency issues. Either way, both scenarios see him earning a Pro Bowl, as long as he plays as he did in 2019.