UGA WR Ladd McConkey impresses early at Senior Bowl

Georgia WR Ladd McConkey’s huge first day at Senior Bowl

The 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl is in full swing this week in Mobile, Alabama, as NFL draft-eligible players perform in front of league personnel.

Six Georgia Bulldogs are taking part in the action: wide receivers Ladd McConkey and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, running back Daijun Edwards, defensive backs Javon Bullard and Tykee Smith and long snapper William Mote.

UGA center Sedrick Van Pran initially accepted a Senior Bowl invite but he was removed from the roster early Monday morning. It’s unclear why Van Pran didn’t make the trip, but with pro day and the NFL combine ahead, he still has a couple of opportunities to workout ahead of the NFL draft in late April.

Tuesday was the first day of on-field drills and McConkey had perhaps the most impressive showing among offensive players. McConkey worked his way up the depth chart at Georgia after having only a few Division I offers out of North Murray High School in Chatsworth, Georgia.

Over the last three seasons, McConkey has been a unique weapon for the Bulldogs. In 39 games, he accumulated 1,687 yards on 119 receptions with 14 touchdowns. He has also contributed on the ground with 216 yards on 13 carries and four scores.

McConkey made several eye-popping catches on Tuesday, starting with this out route. It’s worth noting that the defender played outside leverage, but McConkey’s technique still allowed him to get outside and make a diving grab.

McConkey’s 2023 season was hampered by injuries. First, a back injury held him out of the first four games of the season and then it was an ankle injury that limited him in the latter part of the year. McConkey’s footwork here seemingly answers any questions about his health as he prepares for the draft.

Standing 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, McConkey isn’t a physical threat, but he doesn’t need to be considering his route-running ability and sure hands. Look at his start-stop ability on the double-move comeback route.

Another factor that McConkey provides is his ability to play both wideout and slot receiver. The Bulldogs used him in every way imaginable in Athens.

There’s a lot of time before the NFL draft takes place from April 25-27 in Detroit, but it’s safe to say McConkey has boosted his draft stock in Mobile. The week will conclude with a scrimmage game on Feb. 3, televised on NFL Network.