Ladd McConkey Scouting Report

By Tom Kavanaugh

Name: Ladd McConkey

Position: WR

Size: 6’ 0”, 185 lbs

Year: Junior

On Tape Speed: More than enough burn to challenge defenses down the field. Effective on jets sweeps and screens in how he is able to accelerate.

Route Running: Technician. So good at selling his fakes you would think he was conman. Never gives anything away and keeps DBs guessing. Runs the entire tree at Georgia. One of their most versatile weapons.

Separation: Separates at all levels of the field. Purposeful releases off the line of scrimmage. Wastes no time to create space as quickly as possible. Obvious limitations working off of contact given his size, but very rarely is in a position to get stuck. Tough to get hands on.

YAC Ability: Slippery with the ball in his hands. Can make people miss and break tackles. You wonder if the contact balance will be as good at the next level but still someone you can scheme up in space.

Vertical Skills: Has the ability to win vertically on the outside and in the middle of the field. Speed is good enough in this area but his route running is what aids him to gain a step. Tracking skills are suspect. Had far too many drops when he had to locate the ball over his shoulder in 2022. Hopefully he can clean that up as the 2023 season continues.

Ball Skills: Never going to own the catch point. Only 9 career contested catches. Adjusts to the ball well though. Back shoulder balls and never missing the layups are his best qualities in this regard

Competitive Toughness: Won’t ever be a question with him. Blocks his ass off and noticeably frustrated when he makes a mistake. A competitor through and through 

Best Trait: Route running

Worst Trait: Size

Projection: Ladd McConkey projects best as a do it all Z receiver that could be used in multiple ways. At face value, he looks like your typical white slot receiver that goes on day 3 every year. That description, however, does not do him justice.

McConkey displays good athleticism that allows him to win vertically and after the catch/in space. That athleticism paired with technical route prowess and separation skills that make him an ideal complimentary option.

Give him single coverage and he will feast. That said, won’t ever be someone teams shift their coverages towards.

Tape Grade: Late 2nd Round/Early 3rd Round

Pro Comparison: Elijah Moore