KC Chiefs 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Georgia WR Ladd McConkey
The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Kansas City Chiefs are seeking yet another quality haul from general manager Brett Veach.
In recent seasons, Veach and his staff have used the draft to bring in cost-controlled young talents to insulate a championship roster. The results speak for themselves, although windows can close quickly. Kansas City hopes that a good 2024 rookie class joining one of football's younger teams can keep the franchise in top competitive form.
With the draft on the horizon, Arrowhead Report is taking a look at prospects who could hear their names called in late April. Up next is Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
Background
- Height: 5115
- Weight: 186
- Age: 22
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.84
- 2023: 30 receptions, 478 yards and two touchdowns
- Played all four collegiate seasons at Georgia
Where McConkey creates advantages
McConkey is an absolute technician of a receiver who plays like an NFL veteran. He's a savvy route runner who wastes extremely little motion, understands tempo and leverage and can get separation with technique rather than just burst. Speaking of which, McConkey does have very solid acceleration and a sudden quickness to his game. Hip fluidity is quite evident on tape; that helps him get open consistently. McConkey is great at manipulating his assignment on defense.
Start-stop ability is another plus for McConkey. He gets in and out of his breaks with ease, which can make for a tough cover for defensive backs. McConkey is respectable at tracking the ball and boasts some yards-after-catch upside despite not being the biggest or toughest receiver. He should thrive as a target near the line of scrimmage, over the middle of the field in space and even a modern "gadget" threat if needed. McConkey also has experience returning punts, which is a nice bonus.
Where McConkey could be at a disadvantage
While McConkey tested well during the pre-draft process, size remains a question mark regarding his full potential in the NFL. Sitting just under six feet tall and not even weighing in at 190 pounds, his frame raises concerns about his ability to thrive when lined up outside and/or on the line of scrimmage. McConkey benefits from off coverage or a more sheltered pre-snap situation.
McConkey's catch radius isn't anything special, nor is his verticality for contested catches or ball-winning prowess. That simply isn't who he is as a wideout. His play strength, while competitive, is another lacking area compared to some of the other high-end receivers in this class. That could factor into his post-catch upside. He does have alignment versatility, but he's more likely a niche or slot prototype moving forward.
The verdict
In this writer's estimation, there are roughly 10 wide receivers that could see their names called in the NFL Draft's opening round. That actually happening is another story, of course, but it's a testament to just how many quality options there will be early on. The Chiefs have a clear need at the position, which could easily be filled at least partially at pick No. 32.
McConkey is a good fit in Andy Reid's offense, as he's a technically sound producer who can thrive at getting to his spots and being a quarterback's best friend. With that said, he wouldn't give Kansas City an alpha "X" style of weapon or someone who projects as the go-to option in the passing game.
A primary receiving hierarchy of Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice and McConkey is a very intriguing proposition. Kelce will still be one of the best tight ends in the league in 2024, Rice is a game-breaking YAC threat at the very worst and McConkey would be an upgrade over someone like Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore or possibly even Mecole Hardman. There's a bit of redundancy with his profile but if consolidating the room and trusting a rookie to operate out of the slot is the plan, he'd be a seamless fit. McConkey is a worthy selection for a team in the back end of round one or the top of round two.
