The Tennessee Titans plan to attack teams next season with a grind-it-out run game anchored by DeMarco Murray and a beefed-up offensive line. First-round tackle Jack Conklin will help.
The 6-foot-6, 308-pounder out of Michigan State left a vivid impression on teammates during his first visit to the facility.
"I got a chance to meet him, and he's a great guy," Murray said, per Jim Wyatt of the team's official website. "He definitely passed the eye test."
Conklin was touted for his power and grit during the pre-draft process, leading one NFC North scout to tell NFL Media's Lance Zierlein: "He's tougher than old beef jerky. He fits in our division."
That checks out with everything Murray has heard.
"I had a buddy that went to Michigan State, and as soon as we drafted him, my buddy texted me, 'He's a mauler. He's a beast. He's a nasty guy,'" Murray said of Conklin. "So that's something that you love to hear, especially from my position."
Coach Mike Mularkey has been giggled at for wanting to bring his "exotic smashmouth" scheme to Tennessee, but new Titans general manager Jon Robinson has provided the players to achieve it.
Murray, Conklin and second-round runner Derrick Henry all fit a scheme that promises to be a fun watch if quarterback Marcus Mariota picks up where he left off.
