Georgia WR Ladd McConkey projecting as complete prospect ahead of 2024 NFL Draft: interview, projection, scouting report, team fits

Georgia’s Ladd McConkey projects as a complete prospect at the next level.

Despite not making the College Football Playoff for the 2023 season, the Georgia Bulldogs still strongly project as the sport’s next great dynasty team.

Standout wide receiver Ladd McConkey has played a notable role in the team’s success and is considered one of the best available prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft even with the hindrances of injury.

He finished out the season with 30 receptions for 478 yards and 3 total touchdowns over the course of 8 games, showcasing the level of versatility he brings to the table.

“I think I’m a guy who can kind of play inside, outside, do a lot of different things,” McConkey said when we spoke with him at the Senior Bowl.

“Run deep routes, catch screens, get in the run game a little bit, come down and block some safeties… play special teams well. Kind of a savvy route runner. Find the gaps, win man to man and stuff like that.”

He prides himself equally on the intangibles, which will be just as important heading to the NFL.

“I think (my number one quality is that) I’m accountable,” McConkey said. “Whatever you need me to do, I’m going to go get it done.”

And coming from the Georgia offense, which is similar to several systems run in the league, McConkey is in a perfect position to make a smooth transition.

“I feel like sometimes we run a little faster, run a little more tempo than they will in the league, but we ran so many different things, especially with coach (Todd) Monken and then with coach (Mike) Bobo. We ran literally ever single thing you could think of.”

One thing that’s stood out during the offseason is how well McConkey performed both at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine with showings that only raised his already high draft stock.

He wowed in Indianapolis with a 4.39 official 40-yard dash time that tied for the sixth-best time among all receiver prospects, bringing attention to his breakaway speed.

There’s no doubting the level of athleticism he brings to the table either that were on display in the vertical (36 inches) and broad jump (10 feet, 4 inches).

“Really that I can get involved in the run game. I know I’m a smaller guy but I just try to throw my body in there, try to get it done. Might not always be pretty, might not always be a big block, but I’m going to give it my all. And winning versus man. Showing that I can go up against bigger and longer guys.”

Ladd McConkey scouting report

McConkey projects as a slot/Z-receiver who can be bring an instant boost to a team’s offense as a Day 1 starter. Even in limited action, his sure hands, reliability, versatility short-area burst speed, route-running technique, athleticism and elusiveness that allows him to slip past defenders with ease have caught the eyes of scouts consistently.

There have been some who have voiced concern about McConkey’s size and overall strength with his 5-foot-11 1/2, 187-pound frame, but that clearly hasn’t affected his level of play to this point.

Ladd McConkey 2024 NFL Draft projection

Projection: Round 1-2

McConkey’s performance at the NFL Combine earned him nothing short of a first-round grade — but there’s also no denying the talent and depth of this receiver class and that there are only 32 spots available in the first round.

Seeing McConkey land with a team in the late first round or early second round seems most reasonable.

Most likely landing spots: New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles

Green Bay Packers 2023 sixth-round pick: DL Karl Brooks

The Green Bay Packers selected Bowling Green defensive lineman Karl Brooks in the sixth round (No. 179 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-3
Weight: 296
Age: 22
From: Lansing, MI

Breakdown: Dominant MAC edge rusher in the 300-pound range who will move inside and play on the interior for Green Bay. Proven disruptor; led Bowling Green in sacks all five seasons. Made 48 starts and tallied 46 tackles for loss, 27.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. Strong, powerful, contact-seeker who did 28 reps on the bench. Versatile but has tweener traits and needs to find a home along the defensive line. Two-time team captain.

Brugler’s scouting report: “A five-year starter at Bowling Green, Brooks was primarily a defensive end in former defensive coordinator Eric Lewis’ 3-4 base, lining up outside as a 7-technique, head up over the tackle or inside as a 3-technique. Very few college players can say they led their team in sacks five straight seasons, but Brooks is one of them, including a prolific senior campaign as one of only six FBS players to finished with 18-plus tackles for loss and 10-plus sacks. With his initial quickness and effort, Brooks should be Bowling Green’s first defensive draft pick since 2013. His hands are active, but not always efficient and his sawed-off frame makes it difficult for him to control blockers or stay square. Brooks has a unique package of tools, which creates questions about his ideal position fit, but he has the light feet and urgent hands to be a gap disruptor. He projects best as a 3-technique who can be flexed up/down the line.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “The inclination to shrug off Brooks’ production based on level of competition — or because of questions about his positional fit — might be a mistake. Brooks’ snap quickness, footwork, hand usage and motor are all translatable play qualities. His movement and counters are intuitive, allowing for quick access into the backfield. Against the pass, he frequently beat tackles as a bull rusher off the edge. Brooks has the size of a three-technique but the versatility and athleticism to move around a defensive front. He flashes disruptive, three-down talent as a future starter in a one-gap scheme.”

Bowling Green profile

They said it: “What he was able to display, even against the MAC, you turn on the tape and he was a man amongst boys. When you see players from non-Power 5 or FCS schools, you want to see them dominate, and you can put on the tape and see that kid dominate for stretches.” — director of football ops Milt Hendrickson

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Green Bay Packers 2023 fourth-round pick: DL Colby Wooden

The Packers selected Auburn defensive lineman Colby Wooden in the fourth round (No. 116) in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Auburn defensive lineman Colby Wooden with the 116th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 283
Age: 22
From: Lawrenceville, GA

Breakdown: Versatile defensive front player who played some on the edge and inside for Auburn but was disruptive everywhere he lined up. Tallied 30 tackles for loss and 15 sacks over three seasons. Packers want him to bulk up and play primarily inside. Physical, up-field player with good get off the ball and an impressive motor. Durability is a plus (played in every game over last three seasons). Could play Kingsley Keke-like role in Green Bay.

Brugler’s scouting report: “A three-year starter at Auburn, Wooden was the starting defensive end in former defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding’s four-man front, although most of his snaps came inside the offensive tackle as 4i or 3-technique. His production improved each of the last three seasons and he is one of only nine Tigers to reach 30 career tackles for loss over the last 25 years. Wooden is very active off the ball with the lower-body agility and limb quickness to play in gaps. However, his block destruction is undeveloped and he must do a better job staying on schedule to make a living battling NFL blockers. Wooden isn’t consistently disruptive when rushing from the outside, but he can set the edge or reduce down where his rush skills are more effective on the interior. He offers position flexibility as a rotational base end or 3-technique as an NFL rookie capable of ascending to starter.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Defensive line prospect whose steady weight gain and frame development have allowed him to see the game at a variety of alignments. Wooden is at his most disruptive when attacking from the interior. He has a quick first step to attack gaps and threaten the pocket, but he’s unable to sit down and drop a deep anchor against bullies in the run game. Wooden’s activity level and hand skill are the keys to his current and future success — they allow him to keep pressure on blockers from snap to whistle. High football character and scheme versatility work in Wooden’s favor, but he will need to find the right team fit.”

Auburn profile

They said it: “He’s a defensive tackle, big end type player. Athletic. Inside pass-rush guy. Can set the edge. Play inside. Quick. Powerful. Good football player. Really adds a lot of versatility to our defensive line.” — assistant director of college scouting Patrick Moore

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Green Bay Packers 2023 second-round pick: WR Jayden Reed

The Packers selected Michigan State WR Jayden Reed in the second round (No. 50) in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed in the second round (No. 50 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 5-11
Weight: 187
Age: 23
From: Naperville, IL

Breakdown: Thin but dynamic and ultra-competitive receiver who can line up at any spot out wide and also return punts and kicks. Consistently plays bigger than his size; goes and gets the ball in traffic and 50/50 opportunities. Elusive with the ball in his hands. Terrific 10-yard split, Packers say they clocked him at 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. Wins on back-shoulder throws. Excelled at the Senior Bowl. Should complement Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs well as a versatile receiver who can play in the slot. Caught over 200 career passes and returned three punts for scores.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 64, Michigan State WR Jayden Reed

Brugler’s scouting report: “A three-year starter at Michigan State, Reed was a perimeter receiver in offensive coordinator Jay Johnson’s offense. Although his senior year fell short of expectations because of injuries and the Spartans’ offensive struggles, he accounted for 46 explosive plays (20-plus yards) over the past two seasons and became just the third player in school history with multiple punt return touchdowns in the same season. Reed has outstanding foot quickness and skillfully throttles his route speed to separate from coverage. Despite dropping too many easy ones, his focus is heightened on contested windows, and he shows a knack for timing his leaps and snatching the football off the helmets of defensive backs. Overall, Reed will have a tougher time overcoming his slight size vs. NFL defensive backs, but his speed, route tempo and downfield ball skills are the ingredients of a potential NFL playmaker. With a few technical tweaks to his game, he has NFL starting ability (slot and outside) and adds value as a return man.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Utility wideout with the ability to take snaps at multiple receiver positions while offering both kickoff and punt return talent. Reed looks smaller in many of his matchups, but he is rarely deterred by size. He’s too tight-hipped for stop-start routes on the tree, but he operates with good route speed and should improve his ability to separate with additional development and experience on the next level. His ball skills and feel for positioning on deep throws and jump balls are unquestioned. Limiting his focus drops on short and intermediate throws will be critical to becoming a long-term NFL contributor.”

Michigan State profile

They said it: “Jayden is a very versatile player. He can return punts, play inside in the slot, play outside the numbers. He’s fast, quick in and out of his breaks. He’s strong for his size. We like him with the ball in his hands. Another kid who is wired right. He’s going to bring a dog mentality to this locker room.” — VP of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan

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Green Bay Packers 2023 second-round pick: TE Luke Musgrave

The Packers selected Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave in the second round (No. 42 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave in the second round (No. 42 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-6
Weight: 253
Age: 22
From: Bend, OR

Breakdown: Tall, fast and hyper-athletic tight end with enormous potential as a pass-catcher. Experienced blocking inline, stretching the seam and running routes detached from the line of scrimmage. Caught 11 passes over two games before injury ended breakout 2022 season. Had some early-career drop issues and wasn’t elusive after the catch during final season. Size/athleticism profile almost identical to Travis Kelce. Think of him as the tight end version of Christian Watson; not many built like him, and he’ll be special if it all comes together.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 12, Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave

Brugler’s scouting report: “A two-year starter at Oregon State, Musgrave was a Y tight end in offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren’s run-heavy scheme, lining up both inline and in the slot. After two seasons as a backup behind two future NFL players Noah Togiai (Philadelphia Eagles) and Teagan Quitoriano (Houston Texans), he became a starter as a junior, but his targets were limited in the Beavers’ run-first offense and he missed almost all his senior year because of injury. An impressive size/speed athlete, Musgrave runs like a gazelle (elite high school track numbers for his size), and his lacrosse and skiing backgrounds translate to football with his core strength and hip fluidity as both a pass catcher and blocker. He blocks with outstanding body control and leverage to be a physical edge setter and engage defenders at the second and third levels, although he still needs to improve his sustain skills and steadiness as a pass blocker (only 5.9 percent of his career snaps on offense came in pass protection). Overall, Musgrave must continue to build up his football resume and overall consistency, but he is a high-level athlete with the route running and blocking talent to be a productive starting combo tight end in the NFL. He should be the first-ever Oregon State tight end drafted in the top 100 picks.”

Jeremiah’s scouting report: “Musgrave is a tall, muscular tight end with elite play speed. Unfortunately, he missed all but two games of the 2022 season due to injury. He’s sudden in his release and is a weapon running down the seam. He pulls away from second-level defenders and can naturally high point the football. He is more of a home run hitter than an option-route player at this point in his development. He is consistent catching balls on his frame, but he struggles to reel in low passes when on the move. After the catch, he has the speed to pull away. He is a willing blocker and can effectively shield/wall off at the point of attack. Overall, Musgrave isn’t polished and he’s missed time, but he has the potential to emerge as the top tight end in the class.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Between the abbreviated 2020 season and an injury-shortened 2022 campaign, Musgrave’s snaps have been somewhat limited, but it’s easy to like what he’s put on tape. His route running harkens back to his slalom days with nimble feet and smooth hips helping to generate rhythm and separation in and out of breaks. He needs a little more bulk for combat in the trenches, but he offers what evaluators are looking for in technique, strain and demeanor. Musgrave has starter potential and should gain a coveted slot on draft boards from teams looking to add versatility to their 12 personnel (two tight ends) packages.”

Oregon State profile

They said it: “Big, fast physical tight end that can stretch the field. Good wiring, good kid, comes from a football family…a lot of upside there. He’s got a legitimate trait where he can stretch the field and run by linebackers. If you put a safety on him, he’ll have a chance to body those guys up. We think his skill set to win as a pass-catcher was significant, and we like him as an inline blocker as well. ” — VP of player personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan

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Green Bay Packers 2023 first-round pick: OLB Lukas Van Ness

The Packers selected Iowa OLB Lukas Van Ness in the first round of the 2023 draft.

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness in the first round (No. 13 overall) of the 2023 NFL draft.

Height: 6-5
Weight: 272
Age: 21
From: Barrington, IL

Breakdown: Played in 27 games at Iowa, producing 19.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks. Played mostly inside in 2021 and moved outside in 2022. The Packers think he can do both at the next level and expect him to contribute right away. Should get development time behind Rashan Gary and Preston Smith before becoming full-time player. Game is mostly power. One of the most athletic edge rushers in the class overall.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 8, Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness

Brugler’s scouting report: “Coming off the bench at Iowa, Van Ness was primarily an edge rusher in defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s four-man front, but he also saw significant snaps inside over the B-gap. The Iowa coaches reward seniority, so John Waggoner and Joe Evans started at defensive end last season, but Van Ness had more defensive snaps than either and led the Hawkeyes in tackles for loss and sacks. Regardless of alignment, Van Ness has high-end tools with his length and play strength, which allow him to wear down blockers as a pass rusher or stack, locate and play off blocks in the run game. A hockey player most of his life, he credits his time on the ice for developing his balance, urgent play style and competitive toughness. Overall, Van Ness needs coached up with his pass-rush construction and overall pacing, but he is an ascending player and competes like a grizzly bear with his fierce power and explosive twitch. He has the upside of an impactful NFL starter with inside/outside versatility, regardless of scheme.”

Jeremiah’s scouting report: “Van Ness is a powerful defensive lineman with the versatility to stand up on the edge or slide inside and play over the guard. He is excellent at collapsing the pocket with his bull rush, getting his hands inside and driving opponents back with ease. He flashes a chop move and a rip move, but needs to develop a more diverse repertoire. Against the run, he has very strong hands to stack blocks on the front side and his effort/speed combination helps him make plays from the back side. For some reason, he didn’t start at Iowa. That doesn’t make any sense. Overall, Van Ness has ideal traits, and his best football is ahead of him.”

Zierlein’s scouting report: “Nicknamed “Hercules” by teammates, Van Ness is a well-developed defensive end with excellent lean mass and additional growth still to come. He’s a power-centric prospect with force as his modus operandi as both a run defender and pass rusher. Van Ness needs to work on hand attacks for quicker block shedding and to diversify his rush beyond bull-rush challenges. He’s taken snaps inside at Iowa but might need to keep filling out his frame before he’s ready to succeed as a run stuffer and pass rusher as a 4i in a 3-4 front. Van Ness is more of a splash player than consistent force on tape, but he possesses projectable traits that should allow for continued ascension as a pro.

Iowa profile

They said it: “Big man. Powerful. Fast. Explosive. Really big upside…The physical traits are all there for him to grow, so there’s no real limitation on him. But also, the versatility to win outside with speed and inside with power. There’s so much in front of him, and that’s where his best football will be.” — GM Brian Gutekunst

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2023 Recruiting Profile: 5-star CB Tony Mitchell among nation’s top DBs

Here is how things break down for Florida’s pursuit of 5-star CB Tony Mitchell.

Cornerback [autotag]Tony Mitchell[/autotag] from Alabaster, Alabama, is a blue-chip prospect out of Thompson High and among the top defensive backs in the 2023 recruiting class. The 6-foot-2-inch, 180-pound high school junior is viewed overwhelmingly by the major scouting organizations as one of the best talents in the nation who projects to be a major game-changer at the next level.

According to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna‘s scouting report, Mitchell possesses a physique that is well suited for the game and should be able to bulk up down the road. His athleticism in the defensive backfield derives more from the smoothness of his motion rather than raw explosiveness possessing above-average play speed. Mitchell appears to be capable at all spots in the secondary but fits best in the slot and as a deep safety — the latter of which he is likely to land though he is perfectly capable at the corners as well.

Mitchell has amassed 123 solo and 78 assisted tackles over the course of his high school career, with 16 coming for a loss, while snagging seven interceptions for 301 return yards along with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for 112 yards returned. Playing some wide receiver his freshman year, Mitchell also tallied 69 yards on three receptions thanks to a longest play of 58 yards.

He originally committed to the Tennessee Volunteers when he was in eighth grade but decommitted prior to starting high school after feeling uneasy about the decision.

Tony Mitchell’s Recruiting Profile

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2023 Recruiting Profile: DL Derrick LeBlanc is one of UF’s top targets

Here is how things break down for Florida’s pursuit of 4-star DL Derrick LeBlanc.

Defensive lineman [autotag]Derrick LeBlanc[/autotag] out of Kissimmee, Florida, is a blue-chip prospect out of Osceola High and one of the best the 2023 recruiting class has to offer on the defensive side of the trench. The 6-foot-4-inch, 270-pound high school junior is a bit up-and-down in the prospect rankings depending on which you look at but nonetheless is still among the best in the country at his position.

The scouting report according to 247Sports’ Cooper Petagna describes LeBlanc as a versatile athlete with an ideal frame that still has potential for more growth along with a great deal of flexibility in the lower body. He has the ability to slot in at multiple positions on the D-line, and while his tools still need refining, he has the natural talent necessary to make the jump to the next level.

Over his three-year varsity high school career, LeBlanc has recorded 48 solo and 51 assisted tackles while amassing 17 sacks and 15 QB hurries along with six passes defended, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery in 31 games. In his junior season alone, he tallied 38 total tackles while sacking the opponent eight times.

Derrick LeBlanc’s Recruiting Profile

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2022 Gators Football Recruiting Profile: Sam McCall

Florida Gators recruiting class of 2022 features five-star athlete and cornerback Sam McCall from Lake Gibson High School in Lakeland, FL.

Name: Sam McCall

Position: Cornerback

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 189 lbs

Hometown: Lakeland, Florida

High School: Lake Gibson

Twitter: @alabama313

247Sports Composite: Five-star

Rivals.com: Four-star

Overview:

Listed as the No. 4 athlete in the 2022 class by the 247Sports Composite, which also ranks McCall as the fifth-best player in the talent-rich state, he committed to the Gators on October 28, choosing the program over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles and Oklahoma Sooners.

Cornerbacks coach Torrian Gray was McCall’s primary recruiter, with an assist from passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach Billy Gonzales.

“Athlete” can be a wide-ranging term when it comes to recruiting, but the expectation, according to many people around the program, is McCall will play cornerback in Gainesville, with the possibility existing of him contributing as a wide receiver, too.

Earning a grade of .9844 from the Composite, he is the 41^st-highest all-time commit for Florida.

Presently, McCall is one of just two members in the Gators’ 2022 class, joining Miami four-star wide receiver Syveion Ellis.

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2020 Florida Gators Football Profile Card: Noah Keeter

This is a player profile card for outside linebacker transfer from UCLA Noah Keeter, who returns home to Gainesville to play for UF in 2020.

Name: Noah Keeter

Number: 48

Position: Outside Linebacker

Class: Redshirt Freshman

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 224 lbs

Hometown: Gainesville, Fla.

High School: Buchholz High School

Twitter: @NoahKeeter_25

2019 statistics:

Did not play for the UCLA Bruins

Overview:

A standout for F.W. Buchholz High School in Gainesville, Keeter was rated as a three-star prospect, the No. 94 weak-side defensive end and a top-240 player in the state in the 2019 class.

Racking up 153 tackles (26 for loss), 22.5 sacks and an interception during his final two seasons with the Bobcats, he committed to Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins, located roughly 2,400 miles northwest, on January 12, 2019, the day after taking his official visit, and signed his National Letter of Intent (LOI) less than one month later.

He did not appear in any games during his lone year in Los Angeles and entered the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) transfer portal on December 2.

On January 3, 2020, he announced he would be coming home and joining Dan Mullen’s program as a preferred walk-on. Coincidentally, this was the same day running back Lorenzo Lingard, a five-star in the 2018 cycle and former Miami Hurricane, shared he, too, would be joining the Gators.

Profiling as more of an outside linebacker than defensive end at the collegiate level, Keeter did not appear on Florida’s first two-deep defensive depth chart, released on September 21, but has four years of eligibility remaining to carve out a role for himself.

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