Potential Texans Target Ladd McConkey Hoping To 'Cook' At NFL Combine
INDIANAPOLIS -- No, Ladd McConkey isn't a copy-paste version of Julian Edelman, Wes Welker, or any other former white receiver who made headlines in the slot with the New England Patriots under Tom Brady's regime.
That doesn't mean Houston Texans' general manager and longtime Patriots executive Nick Caserio shouldn't be sold on bringing him down to NRG Stadium to play a similar role for C.J. Stroud.
McConkey, a two-time national champion pass-catcher at Georgia, is already better than the two listed above. Edelman was a seventh-round pick. Welker went undrafted, as did Danny Amendola.
But McConkey could be in line to land somewhere in the top 50 with an impressive showcase at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday in Indianapolis. It wouldn't shock players in the SEC after his breakout season in 2022.
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Auburn's Jaylin Simpson knows first-hand what it's like playing in man coverage against McConkey back in 2021. The Bulldogs pulverized the Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium behind a five-catch, 135-yard outing from the 5-11 Chatsworth native.
“I call him Cookie because he can cook it,” Simpson said. “Ladd McCookie.”
McConkey couldn't help but chuckle when asked about his alter ego.
“It’s hilarious,” he said. “He told me that at the Senior Bowl. I was like, 'Where the heck did y’all get that from?' … He can call me that, it’s cool, but as a full nickname, no.”
If there were any similarities between Welker and McConkey, it's route-running. Welker, a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was considered the league's top route runner for five seasons in Foxborough.
Coming into the draft, McConkey, who finished his Bulldogs career with 1,687 receiving yards on 119 catches with 14 touchdowns, carries the same badge of honor. Scouts rave over his footwork and smooth techniques coming in and out of breaks across the middle of the field.
The middle of the field was a weak point for Houston at times, especially after Tank Dell's season-ending leg injury in Week 13. Yes, Dalton Schultz had his moments. As did Noah Brown and later John Metchie III in the playoffs.
But the Texans are looking to explode after securing their first division title in four years. Even after finishing seventh in passing yards, Houston often relied heavily on Nico Collins and Schultz.
Dell, who is expected to clear for the start of a training camp, is a multi-purpose receiver. His 5-8 frame doesn't limit him only inside, mainly due to his speed.
The same could be said for McConkey, who reminded reporters Friday he actually lined up more on the outside than inside during his final two seasons in Athens.
“I feel comfortable at both positions,” he said. “I think I can win outside and inside.”
Where could McConkey fall? Right now, he's a projected Day 2 pick that could land in the top 50. A strong combine and perhaps he's entering Day 1 conversations.
The Texans, who own the No. 23 and No. 59 pick in the first two rounds, might pivot away from a receiver early given their defensive needs. However, in a trade-down scenario, it's hard to imagine McConkey not being in play should Houston own two second-round selections instead of one.
McConkey considers every meeting — formal or informal — a job interview, but he's also starstruck knowing he could be catching touchdown passes from future Hall of Famers. One name mentioned was New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
“Those are guys you grew up watching seeing do it at the highest level and now it’s like right here in front of me," he said.
What about Stroud? Well, maybe McConkey gets to be the reason the reigning Rookie of the Year joins Rodgers' level of pedigree when all is said and done.
