David Richard/Associated Press

Browns' Jack Conklin Wants to Help Nick Chubb Win NFL Rushing Title Next Season

Tim Daniels

Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin says he wants to help running back Nick Chubb win the NFL rushing title in 2020.

Conklin, part of the Tennessee Titans offensive line in front of 2019 rushing champion Derrick Henry, joined the Browns on a three-year, $42 million contract in free agency.

"To be able to switch teams and have a guy who's just as good [as Henry] and be able to have an opportunity to go win that record again next year, that's my goal," Conklin told reporters Tuesday. "I want to help us get there and help Chubb reach that goal and win that."

Chubb (1,494 yards) finished second to Henry (1,540) in last season's rushing race. He held the lead entering the final week of the campaign, but the Titans star exploded for 211 yards and three touchdowns to take the top spot.

In December, the 24-year-old University of Georgia product discussed his outlook heading toward 2020:

"Just motivation. Just knowing how it feels to not be as successful and to lose certain games. To carry that on to the offseason training and just never forget how we feel now and not ever wanting to feel this again.

"We know what we did this year -- things that worked and things that did not work -- so just learn from that and next year, come in with a different mindset, fix all of the small things and get ready to try again at it."

Adding Conklin could bolster Chubb's production next season, but his bid to win the rushing title may be derailed by the continued presence of Kareem Hunt. The backup running back played just eight games last year but rushed for 1,327 yards in 2017 with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Browns' strength up front could help offset the timeshare, though. They ranked 11th in run blocking last year (per Football Outsiders) and are sliding in Conklin at right tackle after he received a strong 78 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for 2019.

Factor in a passing game with wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry and tight end Austin Hooper, another free-agent addition, and the Cleveland offense features high-end upside if quarterback Baker Mayfield can put together a bounce-back season.

However, it could be a while before the group gets to work together with offseason team activities delayed indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

   

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