{"id":58370,"date":"2024-03-05T09:00:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-05T14:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/?p=58370"},"modified":"2025-09-13T15:07:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T19:07:18","slug":"58370-ladd-mcconkey-nfl-draft-profile","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/2024\/03\/05\/58370-ladd-mcconkey-nfl-draft-profile\/","title":{"rendered":"Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Overview<\/h3>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-56\">\n<div>*Editor&#8217;s Note: This article was originally published on lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/, February 2nd, 2024, and before the NFL Combine.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Position:<\/strong>\u00a0Wide Receiver<br \/>\n<strong>Height:<\/strong>\u00a06\u20190\u2033<br \/>\n<strong>Weight:<\/strong>\u00a0185<br \/>\n<strong>School:<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/tag\/georgia-bulldogs\/\" target=\"_self\">Georgia Bulldogs<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Awards:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>2023 Wuerffel Trophy Winner<\/li>\n<li>2023 Allstate AFC Good Works Team<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2024-nfl-draft-profiles\/\" target=\"_self\"><em>More 2024 NFL Draft Profiles<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile<\/h2>\n<h3>Early Success<\/h3>\n<p>After redshirting his freshman season in 2020, Ladd McConkey emerged as a key contributor to Georgia\u2019s offense throughout his three years in Athens. He earned a spot on the Coaches\u2019 Freshman All-SEC Team in his first season in 2021, finishing with 31 catches (the second-highest on the team) for 447 yards and five touchdowns. McConkey\u2019s rapport with\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/04\/24\/stetson-bennett-2023-nfl-draft-profile\/\" target=\"_self\">Stetson Bennett<\/a>\u00a0made him a favored target. In 2022, he excelled, earning recognition on the Coaches\u2019 All-SEC Second Team. McConkey finished the season with the second-highest number of receptions on the team, tallying 58 catches for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. During his first two years, McConkey showcased himself as a dependable receiver and able to bring a spark to the Georgia offense.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ladd McConkey said \ud83e\udd2b <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GeorgiaFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@GeorgiaFootball<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/IT6XVTYxF3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/IT6XVTYxF3<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; SEC Network (@SECNetwork) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SECNetwork\/status\/1591614875901599747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 13, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>2023 Injury Frustrations<\/h3>\n<p>Quality outweighed quantity for McConkey and Georgia in 2023. Despite facing injuries and health challenges throughout the season, McConkey persisted and remained undeterred. \u201cDefinitely been frustrating,\u201d McConkey said. \u201cBut at the end of the day, it\u2019s football. It\u2019s injuries. You can\u2019t really control them. I try to control what I can control and when I get my opportunity to make the most of them.\u201d Playing in only nine games in 2023, McConkey\u2019s stats look meager; the peace of mind he provided would prove most significant for Carson Beck, Georgia\u2019s new starting quarterback.<\/p>\n<p>McConkey caught four balls for 38 yards in Week 5 against Auburn. Despite missing the first four weeks, his quarterback knew right where one of his favorite targets would be. \u201cHe\u2019s so smart and articulate in how he runs routes, and we\u2019re always on the same page. He\u2019s a hell of a player that makes it easy.\u201d Beck and McConkey joined as Freshmen in 2020, banking many reps together. He may have only had 30 receptions on the season, but each one seemed like it helped Georgia keep the chains moving down the field. McConkey tried to play through pain in the SEC Championship game but couldn\u2019t. His absence was felt and a contributing factor to why Georiga\u2019s offense failed to get going on that fateful Saturday.<\/p>\n<p>McConkey could have ended his career in Atlanta and started to prepare for the NFL Draft, but like so many of his teammates, he decided to play. Georgia could do no wrong in Miami Gardens that night, and it looked as if it was the healthiest McConkey was all season. Mike Bobo drew up a final trick play for McConkey, but he showcased his athleticism and skill again for the Georgia fans and NFL Draft scouts.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">LADD MCCONKEY TO THE HOUSE \u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n<p>IT&#39;S BEEN ALL GEORGIA IN THE ORANGE BOWL<\/p>\n<p>(via <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SEC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SEC<\/a>)<a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/oFpBiG2Ggb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/oFpBiG2Ggb<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sports Illustrated (@SInow) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SInow\/status\/1741221579013460227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 30, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Leader On The Field<\/h3>\n<p>McConkey, recipient of the Leader Off the Field Wuerffel Trophy for his outstanding community service, athletic prowess, and academic excellence, has been recognized as a member of the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. As part of his commitment to giving back, McConkey has dedicated his time to various charitable causes, including visiting Camp Rainbow for children with cancer, the Elks Aidmore foster care center, and St. Jude\u2019s Children\u2019s Hospital. Additionally, he has actively participated in initiatives such as Read Across America, volunteered at the local food bank, and supported the Athens Homeless Shelter.<\/p>\n<h3>Senior Bowl<\/h3>\n<p>McConkey has elevated his draft stock this last week at the Senior Bowl. He looks healthy and is finally at 100% this season. McConkey definitely has been turning more than just opposing DBs\u2019 heads this week.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf anyone was sleeping on what McConkey is capable of heading into this week at the Senior Bowl, they aren\u2019t anymore. The Bulldogs star is a thoughtful route-runner who attacks defenses with a well-defined route plan. On Tuesday, he was able to create separation left and right. His ability to uncover and make the tough catch should continue into Day 2 because he\u2019s proven he can do it consistently.\u201d \u2013<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfl.com\/news\/2024-senior-bowl-day-1-standouts-wrs-ladd-mcconkey-roman-wilson-separating-from-pack\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lance Zierlein &amp; Eric Edholm<\/a>, NFL.com.<\/p>\n<h3>NFL Draft Projection<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Scouting Report:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cOne of our best route runners, he\u2019s extremely quick in short areas and then has great long speed. He\u2019s good with the ball in his hand after the catch, a guy you can give or throw it to.\u201d<br \/>\n\u2013 Mike Bobo, Georgia Offensive Coordinator.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA smart player, McConkey\u2019s adaptability and work ethic could see him carve out a significant role in an NFL offense, especially in schemes that can exploit his agility and route-running savvy.\u201d \u2013\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfldraftbuzz.com\/Player\/Ladd-McConkey-WR-Georgia\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NFL Draft Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-30\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>Strengths<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Proficient in route running<\/li>\n<li>Skilled in tracking deep balls<\/li>\n<li>Exceptional at blocking on the perimeter<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Weaknesses<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Struggles to get consistent separation<\/li>\n<li>Lacks size and stature to play on the outside<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Draft Projection: 2nd Round<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_58371\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-58371\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-58371\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2024\/03\/USATSI_22197089_168400545_lowres.jpg 1808w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-58371\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Overview *Editor&#8217;s Note: This article was originally published on lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/, February 2nd, 2024, and before the NFL Combine. Position:\u00a0Wide Receiver Height:\u00a06\u20190\u2033 Weight:\u00a0185 School:\u00a0Georgia Bulldogs Awards: 2023 Wuerffel Trophy Winner 2023 Allstate AFC Good Works Team More 2024 NFL Draft Profiles Ladd McConkey NFL Draft Profile Early Success After redshirting his freshman [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4424,"featured_media":58371,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,35578,1480,3],"tags":[10339,33196,65],"class_list":["post-58370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-georgia-bulldogs","category-nfl-draft","category-sec","tag-2023-sec-football","tag-2024-nfl-draft","tag-georgia-bulldogs"],"modified_by":"Michael Kovacs, ADMIN","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4424"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58370"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58370\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78440,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58370\/revisions\/78440"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58371"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/collegefootball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}