2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ladd McConkey

Prospect Summary:

Over the past few seasons, Georgia has had some very talented wide receivers come through the program, even though they did not have big production in college. McConkey was part of that group, as he never had 800 yards or even 60 receptions in a season. However, he flashed next-level ability over the past three years. In 2021, McConkey brought in 31 catches for 447 yards and five touchdowns. A year later, he had his best season while helping the Bulldogs to repeat as National Champions, hauling in 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. A back injury cost McConkey some games in 2023, plus the Bulldogs were breaking in a new quarterback. While playing in eight of Georgia’s 14 games, McConkey caught 29 passes for 456 yards and two touchdowns.

In the NFL, McConkey may not ever become a team’s No. 1 wide receiver, but he could be a very good No. 2 and slot receiver. McConkey is a polished receiver who does everything well. He is a smooth route-runner who doesn’t take extra steps in and out of his breaks. McConkey has enough quickness through the route and the shiftiness to generate separation from press coverage. For Georgia, McConkey used his route-running and quickness to consistently generate separation.

McConkey has natural hands and is astute to putting them up late to not tip off defensive backs that the ball is coming. He tracks the ball well and has advanced body control to adjust to it while making acrobatic catches along the sideline. What really sets McConkey apart is tremendous yards-after-the-catch ability. He is electric with the ball in his hands, dodging defenders and weaving through the secondary. After the catch, McConkey finds a second gear and uses superb vision and instincts to continue to rip off yards when he looks like he is going to get tackled. With the ball is in his hands, McConkey is a playmaker who can really hurt defenses.

McConkey is not a true No. 1 receiver for the NFL because he lacks game-breaking speed and is not big. Rather, he is small and limited to the slot. Along with being undersized, McConkey comes with some durability concerns. Thus, he is a likely second- or third-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft.