Ladd McConkey 2024 NFL Draft Profile
Is Ladd McConkey just another Hunter Renfrow or can he be more? That’s what we’re here to talk about with this 2024 NFL Draft Profile. Enough with this intro paragraph and on with the good stuff.
To answer my own question, the Renfrow comps should be viewed as disrespectful. McConkey is a much better player than that. if anything, he’s much closer to Cooper Kupp. If you watched the Senior Bowl, I think you would come to that conclusion. He was THE best player on the field and I don’t think it’s arguable. Nobody could cover him. It was eerily similar when Kupp and Deebo Samuel were at this same event. One of the best Senior Bowl performances from a wide receiver since I’ve been doing this. Kupp and Deebo previously held that title.
I’ve been trying to say this for a long time but it’s since been confirmed. McConkey is fast. If you didn’t know that during the season, please get your eyes checked. Said it 800 times during the season. Keep in mind, McConkey was slowed down late in the season by a lower body injury. Still gutted it out and performed. The speed that I was trying to tell you all year was confirmed at the Combine. Clocked in at a 4.39 and was one of the few WR’s that benched. 13 reps for a receiver checking in at 6-foot, 186 is more than passable.
That’s the thing about McConkey. The stats don’t tell the whole story. He’s smart. There is a method to his madness. Knows how to set up defenders and is blessed with the movement skills to win. The bench numbers proves he works hard, nor was there any doubt in the way he’s improved physically. He’s like a dancer setting up moves before you can see them coming. Has a rhythm and timing element to his route running. Can change pace and just knows how to get open. Strong play speed and quick feet. He’s both fast and quick.
Former three star guy out of the state of Georgia. Has packed on muscle mass since his freshman year while maintaining his movement skills. Guy competes his balls off. All Georgia did was bring in transfers like Dominic Lovett and RaRa Thomas. All McConkey did is take it in stride and prove he was their best receiver over and over again.
The stats don’t blow you away but I caution you to not be blinded by them. It’s more insane that he stayed on the field this year and didn’t miss time. Keep in mind, Georgia had the lead a lot late in games and there was no reason to air the ball out 800 times. McConkey notched 30 receptions for 478 yards and two touchdowns this past year. In 2022, he registered 78 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. Had some drops in 2022 but he’s matured since then and that’s not hard to see.
Ladd McConkey is a baller. End of story. The predraft process has only confirmed why you should love him too. I have him as a top of the second round player for the sole fact that I don’t want to lose leverage in contract talks with the 5th year option. If he’s a top 32 player in this draft class looking back years from now, I wouldn’t be surprised.
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