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Chris Meaney
Bettings
Last Updated: 4/3/2024
Over the last three years, Ladd McConkey has been a modest producer for the Bulldogs, totaling over 1,600 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. The biggest issue is his lack of volume, with a career-high 58 receptions in one season (in 2022). In 2023, he battled injuries that limited his production to a mere 478 receiving yards, but he was on pace for career highs.
McConkey has good enough size but lacks an imposing frame, limiting his physicality and perimeter prowess. This is most apparent at the release point, which I worry less about this at the next level due to his quickness off the line of scrimmage. His fluidity and precise routes allow him to create separation easily, pairing this fluidity with an above-average ability to manipulate his speed to attack leverage points and prey on soft coverages. His speed and ball-tracking ability make him a viable three-level threat but operates best in the intermediate areas. On the flip side, he lacks consistent suddenness within his route to separate versus man coverages.
At the catch point, he catches almost everything thrown his way and displays great hand-eye coordination. He also displays a natural ability to obey the ball and settle into soft spots in the zone. Despite lacking a ton of physicality, he is willing to attack the ball at the high point and enter into a physical battle. After the catch we see his speed manipulation carry over which he pairs his natural feel for space while changing direction on a dime. This elusiveness is more fluid than sudden though, so he doesn’t string moves together with ease. His speed and quickness are also a weapon in the run game allowing him to turn any play into a big play. He could clean up his transition from receiver to runner, to become a consistent threat after the catch.
Ladd McConkey is a precise route runner who projects as an interior or Z receiver at the next level. He has played on the perimeter at Georgia, but with his skill set moving inside feels like the best situation for him. He is polished and should step in on day one and find early success, especially in PPR formats. His ceiling can be extremely high in the right offense, but also has a safe floor like Tyler Boyd has displayed for seasons.
