2024 Dynasty Rookie Early Look: Ladd McConkey, WR Georgia
With a relatively slight frame and boyish looks, Andrew ‘Ladd’ McConkey is not the most imposing figure exiting the team bus. When he gets on the field, however, few look more like a man amongst boys. Despite relatively limited opportunities due to Georgia’s spread the football around unless you are Brock Bowers strategy, McConkey has been slowly rising draft boards and looks like a top 50 pick come April.
Recruitment
While there is no shame in being one of the lowest-rated recruits at a recruiting juggernaut like Georgia, McConkey was nonetheless one of the least heralded recruits in Georgia’s 2020 class, ahead of only a kicker and a developmental offensive lineman. He was the fifth-ranked receiver in the class, behind Jermaine Burton, Arian Smith, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, and Justin Robinson, none of whom have had the impact McConkey has.
He crushed expectations. He only fielded two Power 5 offers, with the other coming from Vanderbilt. He could have easily leveled down as he looked for a bigger opportunity yet stayed at home to play for the Bulldogs. Recruiting stars most definitely matters but McConkey is an example of unheralded players whose development took off once they reached campus.
Collegiate Career
After redshirting in 2020, McConkey stepped in and became an immediate impact player for the Bulldogs. He bypassed more ballyhooed receivers on the depth chart and became a pivotal part of the offense whether it was Stetson Bennett or Carson Beck under center.
While his numbers are not overwhelming, context is important: the Bulldogs spread the football around and often put opponents away early in the second half. McConkey was pivotal to what they did and could have posted prolific numbers in an offense that was more inclined to sling the football around the field.
Athletic Profile
As a modest recruit, McConkey did not have an opportunity to participate extensively in the All-Star circuit, which is where we often pull official testing numbers from for collegiate talents. If you dig deep, you can locate some high school track times. He posted an 11.23 100-meter time, which is faster than a washed-up man in his 30s like me could run, but is not a time that is considered elite at the level.
Long speed, however, is not his hallmark, even though he still has plenty of it. He does his best work in the short areas. It will be interesting to see how he fares in testing such as the short shuttle, as well as his 40-yard dash splits.
Strengths
- Quickness
- Smooth Release
- Can succeed inside or outside
- Sticky hands
- Added return value
Weaknesses
- Slight build
- Limited catch radius
- Willing blocker but his frame will create issues
Draft Value
Courtesy of NFL Mock Draft Database.
McConkey has been a slow riser as many have become cognizant of the fact he is a player the NFL will have plenty of time for. After spending much of the fall on the day two fringe, he is trending towards becoming an early day two pick and finding himself in the first round of some mocks.
McConkey has a unique skillset within this class, though it is something you can say about many receivers in this class. He may fit some teams well while others feel he would be more of a luxury pick. What we do know, however, is McConkey looks like a safe bet to go within the top 100 picks, with the top 50 more likely. Only a discovery of medical issues or disastrous interviews could submarine his stock, and neither looks remotely likely as we approach the Scouting Combine.
Dynasty Outlook
McConkey is currently ranked 17th overall in DLF’s rookie rankings, clocking in at WR10. His ranking varies wildly, with a high of 11th overall and a low of 24th. Like many receivers in this class, McConkey is going to be a matter of personal preference. There are so many types and so many bunched tightly in prospect value it stands to reason rankings will vary, even if opinions of the player are positive.
It is a painfully obvious statement, but nobody has ever accused me of being an innovator: situation will be paramount for a player in McConkey’s draft slot. Match up in Kansas City with Patrick Mahomes? Wheels-up. Get scooped by the Titans early in round two? We may see a rapid fall in his ADP. Only the most elite talents are impervious to landing spot, and McConkey is not there.
Ultimately, I will be interested in the former Georgia star in round two wherever he goes. An ideal situation could push him towards the top 12. He has a versatile skillset which can play in most systems, and has a high football character which should endear him to coaching staffs.
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