Draft Analysis: Ladd McConkey

February 4, 2024 /
  • Height: 6’0″
  • Weight: 186 lb.
  • College: Georgia
  • Tape watched: Ole Miss, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri
  • NFL Comparison: Strong notes of Chris Olave

Pros

  • Versatility

Ladd McConkey lined up everywhere for Georgia. Whether it was the perimeter, slot, or backfield, McConkey not only displayed his versatility as an athlete, but also his master understanding of Georgia’s complex offense. This bodes well for McConkey in the NFL, where teams look more and more for versatile receivers.

  • Route Running

McConkey excelled in the intermediate to deep passing concepts. His ability to accelerate through his stem and maintain full speed through route breaks is a big reason why. It was impressive to watch his discipline when squaring up route stems and not tipping defenders to his break. He has a great jab step at the top of his routes, and really does well separating off the break. McConkey also has great hips in and out of his breaks. He stops efficiently on hitches and comeback routes.

McConkey shows detail in both routes by staying vertical until the last second. He is great at stepping on the toes of defensive backs.
  • Release

Simply put, McConkey is shot out of a cannon off the line. His acceleration to the top of his routes is top tier. Something to keep in mind, there was minimal tape of him vs press coverage, and he didn’t shine in this area during the senior bowl practices.

Midline

  • Blocking

McConkey shows enough on film to be adequate in the run game at the next level. He shows desire to make blocks for his teammates. His technique is sound, although he can be late to break down during his stalk phase. This allows defenders to make one move and slip by him. A better stalk and wider base will help McConkey seal off defenders.

  • YAC

McConkey is a very capable runner with the football. He slips arm tackles and gets the most out of every opportunity. He was used successfully in the screen game and on jet sweeps often.

  • Hands

Ladd McConkey tracks the ball well and is a certified hand-catcher. He had concentration drops and is greatly affected by peripheral defenders, however. More consistency and this would be a pro for McConkey.

Cons

  • Contested Catches

McConkey displayed multiple drops when defenders got clean hits on him. He also had opportunities to make a play that he short armed, anticipating a big hit.

  • Injury History

Playing in only nine games in 2023, McConkey battled back and ankle injuries all year. He also has knee tendonitis he has dealt with most of his college career.

  • Production

With only two career games over 100 yards receiving, and only one game with more than one touchdown, McConkey’s production at a perennial powerhouse raises questions. He never dominated games, rather he displayed flashes of potential. He was a receiver that frequently subbed out of games at Georgia.

Overview

The NFL’s most successful passing attacks are determined to spread the defense out, push the ball vertically, and find space quickly. McConkey has shown the ability to do both of these things. He is more athletic than Puka Nakua, but is missing the some of the polish, production, and durability Nakua had in college. 

After a very good showing at the combine, Ladd McConkey has a sound argument for a first round pick.