The All-time University of Iowa NFL Team

 

There have been 13 tight ends drafted from Iowa since 1958 and all made their drafting teams.

RICK GOSSELIN

APR 6, 2022

Tight ends from the University of Iowa are drafting gold.

In 2016, George Kittle, Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson were stacked at the position. Kittle was a fifth-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 and both Fant and Hockenson were first-rounders in 2019. Kittle has already been to three Pro Bowls and was voted first-team all-pro for the NFC champions in 2019. Hockensen went to the Pro Bowl in 2020.

Since 1958, there have been 13 tight ends drafted by the NFL out of Iowa. All made their drafting teams and all caught passes in the NFL except one, Austin Wheatley, a fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2000. He was the only Iowa tight end to play fewer than three NFL seasons. His career lasted one year.

Jonathan Hayes (1985, second round, Kansas City) played 12 seasons and Dallas Clark (2003, first round, Indianapolis) and Jim Gibbons (1958, sixth round, Detroit) 11 seasons apiece. Scott Chandler (2007, fourth round, San Diego) played nine seasons, Brandon Myers (2009, sixth round, Oakland) eight seasons and Marv Cook (1989, third round, New England) seven. Tony Moeaki (2010, third round, Kansas City) played five seasons and Scott Sluztker (1996, third round, Indianapolis) and C.J. Fiedorwicz (2014, third round, Houston) four seasons apiece.

Clark and Hockenson both won the Mackey Award as the best tight end in college football and Clark joined Kittle as the only Iowa tight ends ever voted first-team all-pro. Like Kittle, Gibbons went to three Pro Bowls, Cook went to two and Clark one. Those 13 Iowa tight ends have combined to play 83 NFL seasons, catching 2,466 passes for 27,812 yards and 184 touchdowns.

Tight end is the clear strength of the all-time University of Iowa NFL team, but safety isn’t far behind. The two top interceptors of all-time, Paul Krause (81) and Emlen Tunnell (79), both played in the defensive backfield at Iowa. They are among five Hall of Famers produced by the Hawkeyes.

Here’s Iowa’s all-time NFL team:

QB—Chuck Long, 21 career starts, 19 TD passes.

RB—Ed Podolak, NFL record 350 playoff yards in 1971 game against Miami Dolphins.

RB—Ronnie Harmon, 12 seasons, 582 catches, 24 TDs.

WR—Quinn Early, 12 seasons, 460 career catches, 40 TDs.

WR—Jerry Reichow, 1 Pro Bowl, 8 seasons, 172 career catches, 24 TDs.

*-TE—George Kittle, 3 Pro Bowls, 335 catches, 20 TDs.

OT—Duke Slater, Hall of Fame.

OT—John Alt, 2 Pro Bowls, 149 career starts.

G—Marshal Yanda, 8 Pro Bowls, 166 career starts.

G—John Niland, 6 Pro Bowls, 126 career starts.

C—Jay Hilgenberg, 7 Pro Bowls, 152 career starts.

DE—Adrian Clayborn, 10 seasons, 40 sacks.

DE—Aaron Kampman, 2 Pro Bowls, 10 seasons, 58 career sacks.

DT—Alex Karras, Hall of Fame.

DT—Karl Klug, 7 seasons, 21 ½ sacks.

LB—Andre Tippett, Hall of Fame.

LB—Chad Greenway, 2 Pro Bowls, 10 seasons, 1,103 career tackles.

LB—Wally Hilgenberg, 15 seasons, started in 4 Super Bowls.

CB—Bob Smith, 1 Pro Bowl, 6 seasons, 33 interceptions 4 TDs.

CB—Bob Jeter, 2 Pro Bowls, 11 seasons, 3-time NFL champion.

S—Paul Krause, Hall of Fame.

S—Emlen Tunnell, Hall of Fame.

K—Nate Kaeding, 2 Pro Bowls, NFL scoring leader in 2009.

P—Reggie Roby, 3 Pro Bowls, 1980s NFL all-decade team.

KR—Tim Dwight, 10 seasons, 3 career KR and 2 PR for TDs.

ST—Jim Jensen, 12 seasons, 97 career ST tackles, long snapper.

*-Still active

TROPHY CASE: Karl Klug, once a Warrior always a Warrior

 

Karl Klug was an All-State football player at Caledonia, an All-Big Ten selection at Iowa and had a seven-year career in the NFL. He coaches high school football in Tennessee these days, but his heart remains in Caledonia.

 

Written By: Isaac Trotter | Sep 20th 2020 - 11am.

Caledonia’s Karl Klug sheds two defenders and runs for a 33-yard touchdown during a Class AA state semifinal football game against Hawley at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Nov. 19, 2005. (Post-Bulletin file photo)

 

Karl Klug dedicated his entire life to football.

That’s what mattered most above almost everything else. Klug's dedication certainly paid off.

The Caledonia High School graduate and All-State football player went on to have a standout, All-Big Ten career at Iowa and then scrapped his way to a seven-year career with the Tennessee Titans (2011-17).

In the seven years, Klug missed just three total games. He was a warrior and a lynchpin of the Titans’ defensive line.

But life for Klug looks a little different now that the veteran is three years removed from football. He’s still around the game, he's just giving the orders now instead of executing them. Currently, Klug is coaching the defensive line at Page High School in Franklin, Tennessee.

Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug sacks Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles during a game in 2014. (File photo)

Klug is also coaching his kids in 8U baseball and 6U softball. He might be the biggest 6U softball coach around.

“The biggest thing about 6U is that you’re trying to get them to quit playing in the sand,” Klug said with a laugh.

It’s sort of a transition season for Klug.

He’s found a rewarding side job helping out in a special needs program.

“These are kids who have graduated and we’re trying to get them ready for the real world,” Klug said. “They go to stores and stock shelves. They need someone to care for them. What the heck am I going to do with my life? I’m dabbling with a few things and seeing what I liked. I enjoy working with them. They’re just big kids.”

Even though Klug is more than 700 miles away, he still keeps close tabs on Caledonia athletics.

He thought Owen King had the potential to be an NFL quarterback one day with the right development. Eli King’s jaw-dropping highlight reel has Klug thinking that he could do something special, too.

“I’ve seen Eli King’s film and holy Toledo,” Klug said. “Holy smokes. His athletic ability speaks for himself. I feel like I don’t really have to dress it (up) because he’s just so special. His work ethic is off the charts, based off what I’m told. The great thing I hear about those boys is that they’re always humble. The few times I’ve been around them, they seem like just great standup dudes.”

Klug knows how stressful the recruiting process can be, but he’s given King some space to make the tough choice on his own. But he certainly wouldn’t hate for King to pick the Hawkeyes –– a school that’s offered King for both basketball and football.

"I talked to his dad about a month ago and told him, ‘You’ve been through this process before, but if you have any questions, just holler,’” Klug said. “I just want to let him enjoy his recruiting process and stay out of it. I know he’ll make an educated, wise decision.”

Klug is healthy, rested and happy in Tennessee. But his heart remains in Caledonia.

Where is former Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Karl Klug now?

By: Cody Milholen | 20 hours ago

In the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected Iowa State defensive lineman Karl Klug.

In his rookie season, Klug far surpassed the expectations set for a late-round pick. The former Hawkeye led all rookies in sacks, recording seven on the year.

While he would not see a Pro Bowl, All-Pro team, or become a three-down starter, Klug became a fan favorite in Tennessee. What set Klug apart from other players was his raw determination.

When he was on the field, his effort and grit was hardly matched.

When he was released in March of 2018, many fans were dismayed, with some even taking to social media with negative reactions.

While no one wanted to see Klug go, the decision was the right one for the team at the time. Klug was about to be due $2.5 million, had many nagging injuries, and didn’t have a fit in a defense that was going through drastic changes.

But, the timing couldn’t have been worse for Klug in his personal life. While he was dealing with injuries holding him back, Klug’s wife was also pregnant with the couple’s fourth child.

Instead of uprooting his family and moving to a new city, Klug decided it was time to hang his shoulder pads up and retire.

Today, Klug is a defensive line coach at Page High School in Franklin Tennessee. While he was playing, Klug volunteered with the school in his free time.

After developing a friendship with the head coach and deciding to retire, Klug decided to make a phone call to see if the school had any openings, and it did.

“We had the D-line position open, and it was obviously a natural fit,” Rathbone said. “[Klug] knows the kids, and he’s passionate about football.”

Many NFL players feel lost while entering retirement. Some say it’s almost like their identity is being stripped away, but not Klug.

“I’m 100-percent at peace with [my decision],” Klug said. “I get reminders on a daily basis when I’m home with my kids. Right now, I’m just kind of doing whatever makes me feel good. Coming [to Page] and helping these guys makes me feel good.

I don’t want to speak for anyone, but some people can get caught up in the status of being an NFL player,” Klug said. “Once that’s stripped from them, they kind of lose themselves. The last few years, I tried to strip my identity away from [playing football].”

Klug also thinks the future looks bright for the Titans, although he may not be watching.

“It seems like they’re heading in the right direction, and they’re pretty talented,” Klug said of the Titans. “But I don’t know how much I’ll be watching anyway. If my boys want to watch, I’ll watch it with them. [Otherwise], I’ll find something else to do on Sundays.”

Klug seems to be at peace with his decision to retire from the NFL, and he is right where he wants to be.

“I’m just trying to teach them to be better athletes,” he said. “I’m teaching them to be fast and aggressive. Really, you don’t need experience on the d-line at this level, you just go out, and play fast.”

I just want to coach the d-line, that’s it. Head coaches have to do a lot of other stuff and go to meetings.“

Many Titans are probably glad we didn’t have to see Klug on an opposing team, and that he stayed right here in Tennessee. We’re also glad that everything worked out for Klug and he found another career that he loves to do.

Titans Superlatives

Posted on July 8, 2019

With 20 years in the books, we celebrate Titans past and present.
 

Big Contribution, Little Talk

Superlative given to a player that played a critical role during their time as a Titan, but might not receive exposure for their work. Whether their play lead other teammates to success or performed a job that has to be done, these players did what was asked of them and then some.

• Ahmard Hall – Hall played a pivotal role in the Titans running game from 2006-2011. The Titans ranked in the Top 10 for team rushing in Hall’s first four years with the team. Paving the way for Chris Johnson during his last four years in Nashville, Hall had a big hand when Johnson hit the 2,000 yard rushing milestone in 2009. Hall also contributed on special teams.  
• Craig Stevens – During his eight seasons with Tennessee, you rarely heard Stevens’ name called. That was a good thing. The reliable tight end was an excellent blocker, helping with a rushing attack that ranked in the Top 10 in the league during his first two seasons with the Titans. Along with his contributions on offense, Stevens was a fixture on the special teams unit.
• Neil O’Donnell – Everybody remembers the magical 1999 season that lead to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV. What some might forget is the impact that O’Donnell had at the beginning of that season. Starting the next five games after McNair went down with an injury in Week 1, O’Donnell completed 104 of 172 pass attempts for 1,209 yards and tossed eight touchdowns. The Titans went 4-1 in that five game stretch.  
• Karl Klug – Drafted in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Klug made an immediate impact with the Titans. As a rookie, Klug recorded seven sacks, which lead all other rookie defensive tackles. His production continued throughout his seven years with the Titans, as he finished his career with 21.5 sacks, 30 tackles for loss, and 5 forced fumbles. Klug’s athleticism allowed him to play on several of the special team units.

'Klug's Klug': Titans tough guy adds to legend with Achilles tear comeback

(Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Klug)

By Joe Rexrode
August 9, 2017

Karl Klug might be the toughest Titan. He might not be the toughest 29-year-old man with the last name of Klug living in Nashville.

If Karl’s identical twin, Kevin, was going to engage his brother in a scrap or wrestling match, he’d have to build into a rage first. Kevin always gave up at least 10 pounds to Karl, and at one point in their lives it was about 60.

“I had to get angry to have any chance against him, just like he’s got to get angry to compete against guys in the NFL who are 40 pounds heavier than him,” Kevin said of Karl. “You get angry, or you get worked.”

Karl agrees with that outlook – “You kind of have to flip a switch to play in this league,” he said – and that’s no surprise considering these are twins who talk about four times a day and are said in the family to have their own language. “Grind” is an English-language word they both use a lot.

In the past few months, Kevin has seen his young business, Klug Fitness, grow quickly. He’ll bring a full-size van with a gym in it to you. Also in the past few months, Karl has obliterated the expectations of doctors and put himself in position to help the Titans defensive line in the Sept. 10 opener against Oakland.

The original timeline, after Karl tore his left Achilles tendon in a Dec. 19 win at Kansas City, had him in street clothes and weeks away from returning at the start of the 2017 season. But the 6-foot-3, 278-pound defensive lineman was out there running at the start of his seventh training camp, a full two months earlier than that was supposed to happen.

So add it to the legend of the man who gets an appreciative “Kluuuuuuug” from fans when he makes a play. And understand that his return to the field this season is more than a nice story. It’s crucial for a defensive line and a team that draw from his relentlessness.


No. 97 defensive end Karl Klug (Photo: George Walker IV / The Tennessean)

Coach Mike Mularkey said Karl was an “animal” during his offseason rehabilitation, which included the use of painful blood-flow restriction therapy to stimulate the muscles around the tendon. He was a top candidate for toughest guy in a locker room full of tough guys before this injury, but now it’s almost silly to consider anyone else. He’s certainly the only guy in the room who still uses a flip phone.

“It’s Klug,” fellow defensive lineman Angelo Blackson said. “Klug’s Klug.”

“One of the hardest-working and toughest guys we have,” Titans defensive line coach Nick Eason said of Karl, who was slowly increasing his reps before a left ankle twist that may keep him out of Saturday’s preseason opener at the New York Jets. “If you want to go down a dark alley, you want to go down a dark alley with that guy. You look at him over there with his kids and his wife, he’s a family guy. But at the end of the day, he really represents what it means to be a Titan. What it means to be a football player.”

Karl and his wife, Stacy, have three children ages 4 and younger, and when he reunites with them for a few minutes after a training camp practice, he’s a happy-go-lucky father. His on-field alter ego has far exceeded expectations to provide for them. Even with Karl rehabbing an injury that can permanently hinder an athlete’s mobility, the Titans signed him to a two-year, $5 million deal in the offseason.

Before the injury cost him the final two games of the 2016 season, Karl had seen action in 94 straight games, starting with his rookie season of 2011 after the Titans took him in the fifth round out of Iowa. He has played through nagging injuries, as he did at Iowa – a herniated disc and torn ligaments in a big toe, to name two that actually got reported.

“The dude never complains,” Kevin said of his brother. “He’ll just ride out an injury until he can’t walk anymore.”

Quiet tolerance is a family tradition. When the twins were in middle school in their hometown of Caledonia, Minn., Kevin suffered from a condition that caused him to throw up after meals and choke on his own saliva at night. He and Karl were the only two who knew about the vomiting for a year and a half, which delayed the eventual diagnosis of achalasia – a condition that restricts the esophagus – and surgery to correct it.


Titans defensive lineman Karl Klug (97) listens to instructions during training camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park Sunday, July 30, 2017 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo: George Walker IV / The Tennessean)

“That was quite an ordeal, and it went way too long,” said their mother, Mary. “We kept taking Kevin to the doctor but they treated him for asthma until he told us (about the vomiting).”

Kevin was about 60 pounds lighter than Karl after his surgery, and he never caught up. Karl got a full ride to Iowa and had to prove himself there as a 207-pound freshman defensive end. Kevin got a partial scholarship at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and played linebacker.

To this day, Karl gives the family toughness nod to Kevin. Their parents, who grew up on neighboring farms in Caledonia, instilled it.

“Grinding is all we knew,” Karl said, and they still work out together with that word as a guide, though in the past several months Karl has had to stick exclusively with the Titans medical staff.

That work has further enhanced the Klug name in the Titans locker room, but that wasn’t the point of it. The Titans need Karl and the energy that has created 20 career sacks and so much disruption beyond that number. His comeback is ahead of schedule but it isn’t complete yet.

“I’ve heard some people say, ‘Oh, you’ll never be the same,’” Karl said. “Well, I don’t know. We’re still going to find out, you know?”

Titans' Karl Klug "an animal"

Quick Hits and Observations: Day 1 of Training Camp

July 29, 2017
By Jim Wyatt

• Receiver Tajae Sharpe did not practice. He was placed on the team’s Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of camp because of the foot injury he suffered earlier in the offseason.

• Linebacker Kevin Dodd practiced for the first time since having his second foot surgery last December. Afterward, Dodd said he’s still working his way back to being himself, but he felt good.

• Mularkey praised defensive lineman Karl Klug and called him “an animal” after watching him practice. Coaches are doing their best to keep Klug from going all-out while coming back from an Achilles injury, but it hasn’t been easy.

DL Karl Klug Anxious to Remain Disruptive for Titans

Happy to return, defensive lineman Karl Klug is anxious to remain disruptive for Titans.

By Jim Wyatt

March 10, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Defensive lineman Karl Klug and his wife, Stacy, had their hands full on Friday.

As Klug signed his new deal with the Titans, his young son, Rylan, scrambled for fallen M&Ms. He maneuvered around the conference room at Saint Thomas Sports Park, sometimes walking, sometimes crawling. He occasionally barked (Rylan, not Karl).

Cora, the couple’s young daughter, played with magnets.

It was all hands on deck for the Klugs, and baby No.3 is not too far away.

The Titans like Klug because he’s a handful for offensive linemen, and once again he’s been rewarded for it.

“I am real happy,’’ Klug said after inking the deal. “The people around this building are great, and to be able to spend hopefully another two years here, it is great. So that is what we are looking forward to, not having to move.

“And for them to want me back, it is definitely humbling. I feel very grateful for sure.”

On the first day of free agency, the Titans agreed to terms with Klug, a dependable veteran who has been a consistent performer with the team. Klug initially joined the Titans as a fifth round draft pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

He’s known for his no-nonsense approach, and rugged style of play. It’s made him popular with teammates, coaches and fans.

“I want to continue to bring consistency,’’ Klug said Friday. “I want to set the right example I guess for the young guys that come in, free agents. I want to set the standard of what is expected around here, set by (GM) Jon Robinson and Coach (Mike) Mularkey. I just try and emulate what they are preaching.”

Klug said he’s been impressed with the direction of the franchise.

The Titans finished 9-7 last season after winning just five games over the previous two seasons.

“I love it,’’ Klug said. “The guys on our team, I think we have a great bunch. I think we have the right pieces, and I know that everybody in the locker room is feeling good about where the team is going.”

Klug said he also likes the way he’s recovering from last year’s Achilles injury.

Klug played in 14 games last season, and finished with 25 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on December 18 at Kansas City, and had surgery.

Klug got out of the walking boot on Thursday, and he’s making great progress, he said.

“I am moving around even better than I was yesterday,’’ Klug said. “So I am making progress, and it sounds like camp is going to be a go. So now I just have to put the work in to get ready.

“It’s unfortunate I got hurt, but playing is what we are paid to do. You are getting paid to play through injuries, and if you are not doing that you are not holding up your end of the bargain. I like to play.”

Detroit Lions — Five possible free agent defensive tackles who could be good fit

Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug (97) during the second half of an NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Paula Pasche

February 24, 2017

The interior of the Lions’ defensive line should get attention from general manager Bob Quinn through free agency, the NFL draft or both.

Haloti Ngata and A’Shawn Robinson could start in 2017. Ngata played younger than his age (33) last season while Robinson got off to a slow start as a rookie but his improvement was clearly visible.

Khyri Thornton, a restricted free agent, and Anthony Zettel, a sixth-round pick in 2016, could fit in the rotation.

Tyrunn Walker, who had eight starts in 15 games for the Lions in 2016, and Stefan Charles who played in a dozen games for the Lions last season could both become free agents.

NFL teams can start discussing contracts with free agents on March 7 and sign them starting at 4 p.m. on March 9.

Here are five possible free agent defensive tackles who might be good fits for the Lions:

1. Karl Klug, 28, could be a good rotational guy at defensive tackle or end. He’s 28 which is younger than many of the free agent candidates. However, he tore his Achilles’ in Week 15 and is unlikely to be ready for the start of training camp. He’s spent the last six seasons with the Titans who could bring him back on an incentive-laden deal. In 2016 he had 26 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 14 games.

2. Tyson Alualu, 29, is an ironman of sorts missing just two games in the last seven seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Blackandteal.com reports that he’s never lived up to his 10th overall selection in the 2010 draft but “has been a consistent presence in the defensive line rotation. Filling in at defensive tackle (where he was originally drafted to play) and also stepping in at defensive end on occasion.” It’s possible he could test the open market and while many teams could show interest he’s not expected to break the bank.

3. Alan Branch, who is coming off another Super Bowl win with the Patriots, has said he is not ready to retire. The 32-year-old defensive tackle, who played at Michigan, had 49 tackles (a career high) and two sacks last season when he made $2.4 million. Patsfan.com reports that Branch has been solid on the practice and playing fields. He was the Patriots’ most consistent tackle last year, as noted by coach Bill Belichick. It’s uncertain if the Patriots will bring him back or go with the younger Malcom Brown.

4. Sylvester Williams, 28, is not expected to return to the Denver Broncos where he has anchored the line for the past three years according to the Denver Post which also reported he was a part of Denver’s struggles against the run. That could be a red flag for the Lions. Last season William had 29 tackles and one sack in his fourth season in Denver.

5. Dontari Poe, 26, could be the odd man out for the Chiefs who may have to pick between him and safety Eric Berry due to salary cap limitations. He could be pricey as CBSsports.com reported he could be looking for a six-year, $85 million deal. He’s young, but that’s a big payday and might be too much for the Lions. A first-round pick by Kansas City in 2012, he had a career low in tackles (27) in 2016. Pro Football Focus wrote: “His movement skills at 346 pounds, coupled with the huge durability he has had in playing over 4,500 snaps in his five seasons in the league, will get somebody interested, because there simply aren’t many human beings on the planet that can tick those boxes. Poe, though, has struggled to live up to the potential he showed back in 2013.”

Picking one free agent every team should sign this offseason

February 17, 2017

By Pro Football Focus staff

Free agency offers the chance for every NFL team to kick-start its roster improvements. Every franchise wants to excel in the draft and build its roster over the long term for minimal outlay, but free agency can fast-track that process and give teams proven NFL commodities -- if they are willing to pay for them.

The Dallas Cowboys arguably have the league's best offensive line because they threw draft resources at it for several seasons -- and hit on those draft picks -- but the Oakland Raiders came close to matching that with a free-agent spending spree, bringing in several key players to transform their line and offense overall.

With that in mind, here is one free agent -- unrestricted or restricted, from the list of every player who could make it to the market -- each NFL team should sign this offseason.

Note: Each player's position rank is based on PFF's grades, and we're not including re-signings -- only players switching teams.
________________________________________

New England Patriots

Karl Klug, DL | Position rank: 22nd

The Super Bowl LI champions love to tap into the veteran market to fill holes along the defensive line, and Klug brings the versatility they covet up front. Klug is capable of playing on the interior or the edge while producing in multiple fronts, and he's an efficient pass-rusher, finishing at 78.3 in that department last season with the Titans. Klug hasn't played more than 400 snaps since his rookie season in 2011, but he's a valuable addition as a rotational piece with the ability to rush the passer from multiple positions.

Klug a “disruptive” force for Titans defense

From Mitch Smith's article "C.J. Fiedorowicz, Karl Klug Establishing Themselves in NFL"

October 30, 2016

CJ Fiedorowicz and Karl Klug were Iowa teammates for one season in 2010, and now they’re adversaries in the AFC South.

Both have taken a step forward this season, competing at a higher level and making major contributions for their respective squads. And if the Houston Texans or the Tennessee Titans earn an NFL playoff berth this season, quality performances from Fiedorowicz and Klug will have definitely played a major factor in the teams’ success.

Klug a “disruptive” force for Titans defense

Karl Klug often played second fiddle as a Hawkeye playing alongside the likes of Adrian Clayborn and Mike Daniels, but the Iowa defensive lineman from 2007-2010 has blossomed into a very productive NFL lineman.

He has appeared in every game for the Titans since his rookie campaign in 2011, racking up 20 sacks, eight passes defended and five forced fumbles. Still, Klug continues to fly under the radar, making only seven starts in his six-year NFL career.

Although he hasn’t made many appearances in the starting lineup, Titans second-year head coach Mike Mularkey is taking notice of how valuable the former Hawkeye has been on a defensive unit that ranks 10th in the league in Total Defense this year.

“This guy is very disruptive, and he doesn’t get a lot of credit,” Mularkey said back on Oct. 10. “He does a lot of things that people don’t see behind the scenes that are very disruptive.”

Through eight games this season, Klug has 19 tackles and 1.5 sacks. It’s likely he’ll have his third straight season with at least 20 tackles, and he’s on pace to surpass his single-season high of 23 tackles he recorded in 2014.

PFF graded Klug as the Titans top defensive player in Week 5, 6 and 7. The website has called the former Hawkeye “one of the best situational players in the league,” giving him an overall grade of 82.1 — tied for ninth-best among the league’s interior defensive linemen.

In his 80 run snaps this season, Klug has nine stops and just two missed tackles, and on his 156 passing snaps, he has 17 total pressures — making him the third most productive pass rusher at his position.

“Klug represents what we stand for on this team,’’ Mularkey said. “He is a fierce competitor, all-out player. Every snap he gets there is nothing but all-out effort and relentless…I wish I had all the words to describe (him).”

Karl Klug earns Titans top defensive grade for third straight week

From Kiernan Hogan's "IND-TEN Grades: Andrew Luck Impresses Despite Poor Pass Protection"

October 23, 2016

Here are the top-graded players and biggest takeaways from Indianapolis’ 34-26 win over the Titans.

Mariota struggles under pressure

Quarterback grade: Marcus Mariota, 46.8

Indianapolis’ defense was unable to consistently apply pressure on Titans QB Marcus Mariota, but Mariota struggled mightily on his few snaps without a clean pocket. The Colts’ pass-rush got pressure on just 10 of Tennessee’s 40 pass plays, finishing with three sacks and forcing Mariota’s QB rating to drop by more than 65 points on his seven pressured attempts. The Titans’ offensive game plan was built around the run game and short-to-intermediate passes (zero-for-three on passes thrown 20+ yards), and the Colts were able to put the game away with a strip sack that they returned for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.

Top offensive grades:

RG Josh Kline, 84.8
TE Delanie Walker, 84.8
LT Taylor Lewan, 83.7
RT Jack Conklin, 80.8
WR Rishard Matthews, 75.1

Titans’ offensive line continues to dominate

The Titans currently rank first in the NFL in team run-blocking grade, and second in team pass-protection grade, making a case for the best and most-balanced offensive-line unit in the league. Tackles Taylor Lewan and rookie Jack Conklin have been tremendous this season; Lewan leads all NFL tackles in both overall grade and run-blocking grade, and Conklin is our second-highest graded right tackle. Neither player has allowed a sack in 2016. RG Josh Kline was actually the highest-graded lineman in this game, after not allowing a single pressure on his 45 snaps in pass protection, and earning an 83.7 run-blocking grade. HB DeMarco Murray took advantage of the strong work in front of him by producing consistent gains (25 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown, two broken tackles), but was unable to break off a run longer than 14 yards to change the course of the game.

Top defensive grades:

DE Karl Klug, 82.3
DE DaQuan Jones, 78.3
S Kevin Byard, 78.3
DE Jurrell Casey, 76.3
OLB Derrick Morgan, 75.7

Titans’ pass rush not enough to slow down Luck

While they were able to generate pressure on nearly half of their snaps in pass defense, it was not enough to make up for the struggles of the back seven in coverage. DE Karl Klug (one sack, three hurries, one batted pass), OLB Derrick Morgan (two sacks, three hurries), and OLB Brian Orakpo (five hurries) were in the backfield all day long, but were unable to force a game-changing turnover. Luck picked on linebackers Sean Spence and Avery Williamson in coverage, finishing nine-for-nine for 88 yards and two touchdowns when targeting one of them. CB Jason McCourty was also responsible for a pair of deep completions, including a 37-yard touchdown to T.Y Hilton.

PFF Game-Ball Winner: Colts QB Andrew Luck

Top-graded Titans in Week 6 win over Browns

By Dan Cotton
October 17, 2016

Pro Football Focus has released its top-graded Tennessee Titans from the team's 28-26 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Here's a look at the highest-graded offensive performers with wide receiver Kendall Wright leading the way.

WR Kendall Wright 90.7
LT Taylor Lewan 85.6
RT Jack Conklin 83.3
WR Rishard Matthews 79.7
TE Phillip Supernaw 74.5

Here's a look at the highest-graded defensive performers with Karl Klug leading the way for a second week in a row.

DE Karl Klug 84.7
CB Jason McCourty 82.3
DT DaQuan Jones 80.2
OLB Brian Orakpo 77.9
OLB Derrick Morgan 76.8

Here's what PFF had to say about the Titans defensive performance on Sunday.

Tennessee went blitz-heavy, and it largely worked, as the team schemed plenty of unblocked pressure on the 25 blitzes they called. Up front, there was a good battle to be had, and the combination of Karl Klug and Brian Orakpo certainly made life hard for Browns LT Joe Thomas. Klug had a highlight-reel play in the run game, as he went past Thomas as if he wasn’t there for a big tackle for a loss. The lesser-known of the McCourty brothers deserves special praise for breaking up a couple of passes, continuing his strong start to the year.

Murray, Klug make PFF's first team for Week 5

By Dan Cotton
October 12, 2016

The Tennessee Titans had a couple of players that stood out in their 30-17 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

Pro Football Focus has released their top players at every position for Week 5. Two Titans graded out tops at their position.

Running back DeMarco Murray received a grade of 83.0 from Pro Football Focus. Here's what PFF had to say about Murray.

DeMarco Murray looks back to his best form, and he broke 12 tackles in 27 carries against the Dolphins, racking up 121 rushing yards and catching five of the six passes sent his way, though they didn’t get very far after he fought back to the line.

Murray also made PFF's team of the week for Week 2.

Defensive lineman Karl Klug received a grade of 86.1 from Pro Football Focus. Here's what PFF had to say about Klug.

Karl Klug is one of the best situational players in the league. He’s just too good for a makeshift and patchwork offensive line like Miami fielded this week. Klug had two hits and four hurries and his quick penetration and leverage was a constant problem for the Dolphins.

Titans Six Pack: Things that Stood Out from Win at Miami

October 10, 2016
By Jim Wyatt

Here’s a look at six things that stood out – good and bad – from Sunday’s 30-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Here’s a look at six things that stood out -- good and bad – following Sunday’s 30-17 win over the Dolphins.

Karl Klug’s dominance

Brian Orakpo, Derrick Morgan and Jurrell Casey got the sacks -- two each, in fact. But Titans defensive lineman Karl Klug also turned in quite a performance on Sunday. Klug was only on the field for 24 snaps, but Pro Football Focus credited him with two hits and four hurries. I watched the game again this morning and I counted three hits on Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill by Klug, including one that resulted in safety Daimion Stafford’s interception. The Titans went on a feeding frenzy on Sunday, and Klug showed his teeth.

Murray’s effectiveness

Running back DeMarco Murray turned in his second 100-yard game, and he’s now second in the NFL in rushing. How he’s doing it continues to impress me. Murray showed some nifty spin moves on Sunday, but he also lowered his shoulder and ran through would-be tacklers. Just ask Dolphins safety Reshad Jones about that. Murray also showed off his speed on the edge. Murray forced 13 missed tackles on Sunday en route to 121 yards on the ground. He now has 461 on the season.

Mariota’s confidence

Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota turned in his most complete performance of the season on Sunday. He threw three touchdown passes, and he made good decisions with the football. He didn’t turn the ball over, and reacted well when under pressure. He looked comfortable. One of the biggest keys was his success running the football. Mariota sprinted for 60 yards on seven carries on Sunday, and the added dimension really hurt the Dolphins.

Sloppy tackling

The Titans dominated play, but weren’t perfect against the Dolphins. The Titans allowed three plays of 50-plus yards, including a 74-yard punt return, a 50-yard completion to DeVante Parker on a deep all and a short pass to running back Damien Williams that turned into a 58-yard gain. The Titans were sloppy on the return -- at least three guys missed Jakeem Grant – and defenders should’ve stopped Williams near the line of scrimmage. These mistakes need to be cleaned up.

O-line was dominant

If you’re looking for ‘Exhibit A’ for smash-mouth football, go back and watch the 12-play, 76-yard drive that gave the Titans a 14-7 lead. The Titans ran the ball 10 plays in a row while moving downfield with ease, ripping off runs of five, eight, eight, 22, five and 10 yards along the way. The holes were huge, and Murray and Derrick Henry both ran through them. So did Mariota. The Titans piled up 235 yards on the ground, and the group up front deserves a lot of the credit.

Two in a row

OK, this one has nothing to do with Sunday’s win. It’s about moving forward, and the opportunity ahead. The result against the Dolphins should be a momentum-builder for the Titans. The team now has three straight games at Nissan Stadium, including Sunday’s game against the Browns. The Titans haven’t won two straight games since the end of the 2013 season, and it’s time to end that streak. The Titans are headed into a stretch of the schedule that includes four teams – Browns (0-5), Colts (2-3), Jaguars (1-3) and Chargers (1-4) -- with a combined mark of 4-15. The Titans have a chance to make things really interesting. Will they take advantage of it?