Despite being a collegiate role player, just how early will McConkey get drafted?
After sitting out his true freshman year, Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey debuted in 2021 with a respectable six total touchdowns and would go on to find paydirt 18 times over this three seasons of action.
He was honored with All-SEC freshman recognition (coaches), a second-team spot in 2022 (coaches), and the Wuerffel Trophy in ’23, which goes to the nation’s best community service member among FBS football players.
Height: 5-foot-11 1/2
Weight: 187 pounds
40 time: 4.39 seconds
While his stats may not jump off the page, it’s important to highlight that McConkey never was asked to be “the guy” at Georgia and was a piece of a very talented puzzle. He wasn’t a highly coveted recruit (three stars) as a quarterback.
Table: WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia (2020-23)
| Year |
School |
Class |
Gm |
Receiving |
Rushing |
| Rec |
Yds |
Avg |
TD |
Att |
Yds |
Avg |
TD |
| 2020 |
Georgia |
Fr |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
| 2021 |
Georgia |
rFr |
15 |
31 |
447 |
14.4 |
5 |
4 |
44 |
11.0 |
1 |
| 2022 |
Georgia |
rSo |
15 |
58 |
762 |
13.1 |
7 |
7 |
134 |
19.1 |
2 |
| 2023 |
Georgia |
rJr |
9 |
30 |
478 |
15.9 |
2 |
2 |
38 |
19.0 |
1 |
| Total |
39 |
119 |
1,687 |
14.2 |
14 |
13 |
216 |
16.6 |
4 |
*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)
Pros
- Versatility is one of McConkey’s best attributes: Whether it be his ability to play outside and in the slot or as a dual-threat option, he has something to offer to all offensive designs. Was used more in presnap motion the last two seasons, giving him added scheming potential for creative NFL offenses.
- He was a prolific high school quarterback, which not only gives more ways for him to contribute but also indicates there’s still some room to grow as a receiver.
- Few prospects in any draft class offer his excellent route-running skills and attention to detail
- Superb understanding of using leverage against a cornerback
- Above-average hands with a penchant for catching away from his body
- Fast enough to give most pro defensive backs a run for their money in a footrace
- Experience in a pro-style offense
- Offers potential to return punts in the NFL
- Dedicated, team-first player with excellent character
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Cons
- Not known for being a strong blocker — more the “get in the way” type
- Missed several games last year with a lingering ankle injury
- Has a few bad drops on tape before 2023, mostly in downfield tracking situations
- Getting jammed vs. press-man coverage could be an issue that requires presnap creativity to overcome
- Doesn’t have the makeup of a WR1 and will be relegated to playing a contributing role
Fantasy football outlook
From a fantasy perspective, McConkey has the hands, footwork, speed, and mentality to make his way into lineup-fixture territory. He is polished enough to play a situational role as a rookie.
Unlike with many receivers, system fit isn’t nearly as important here due to McConkey’s versatility and route skills. He would be optimally utilized in Sean McVay or Kyle Shanahan’s offensive designs, thanks to all of the presnap movement, but he really could excel in any situation.
