Tyler Conklin NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Minnesota Vikings' Pick

POSITIVES

—Is a willing blocker who uses tenacity at the line of scrimmage to be effective.

—Above-average body control mimics better move tight ends in the league.

—Spatial awareness paired with physical profile to make contested catches at all levels of the field.

—Consistent hands that won't make flashy plays, but he'll churn out receptions when locked in.

—Has the frame and requisite athleticism to be a move tight end that a quality offensive coordinator uses to exploit matchups.

NEGATIVES

—Jones fracture in left foot kept him out of five games to begin the 2017 season.

—Mediocre speed won't be enough to challenge average NFL linebackers in space.

—Has to bulk up to play as an in-line tight end.

—Not a strong route-runner, often losing separation opportunities at break point due to an inability to accelerate out of breaks.

—Won't make the spectacular receptions needed to justify a starting move tight end role.

OVERALL

At first glance, Conklin has the ideal frame for an NFL move tight end. However, the Jones fracture that sidelined him to start the 2017 season caused a dip in production that only further highlighted his average athleticism. Conklin will have to develop as a versatile player who can make a team with a willingness to line up everywhere and win with tenacity. He won't separate consistently from man coverage, but he has the body control and awareness to rack up receptions as a late read against zone coverage.

GRADE: 5.65 (Round 6)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Garrett Celek, San Francisco 49ers