This year’s 2024 NFL Draft class is packed with skilled wide receivers. Even before the NFL Combine, we knew this class would be good. But few realized just how many freak athletic specimens there were. Overall, the 2024 NFL Combine shed some light on just how special this group could be. Especially, for your dynasty fantasy football rosters.
Plenty of great performances in Indy have Dynasty Managers eager to select them in their 2024 rookie drafts. In the past, we’ve learned that, while the combine is exciting, what matters more is what the player shows on film. Falling in love with a guy because he ran a blazing 40-yard dash is living in the moment. Luckily, Ladd McConkey demonstrated elite athletic traits at the combine and put together some impressive film.
Ladd McConkey (WR) University of Georgia – Dynasty Rookie Profile
Height: 6’0
Weight: 183 lbs
Strengths
Short Area Quickness
McConkey’s greatest strength lies in his short-area quickness. His knack for creating separation from defenders when not facing press coverage will undoubtedly catch the eye of NFL teams. While his size might pose a challenge when a defender gets his hands on him at the line, his technique and short-area quickness enable him to slip past defenders.
In college, Georgia used him in motion pre-snap because you can get creative with him. Simply put, Ladd is a player you want to get the ball to in open space and let him go to work.
Strong Hands
In the NFL, being a wide receiver with strong hands is paramount. Additionally, this skill is crucial because NFL defensive backs’ technique, compared to college, is on a whole different level. These players are learning from the elite once they enter the pros, including veterans who have faced off against the best in the league. In college, players often rely more on their athleticism over refined technique, which can leave them vulnerable against tougher competition.
Furthermore, McConkey has demonstrated a remarkable ability to maintain control of the football even through contact at the catch point. This skill is invaluable in the NFL, where every inch matters, and defenders are quick to capitalize on any opportunity. His strong hands make him a reliable target in tight coverage situations, a trait that NFL teams highly value in their receivers.
The more I study his tape, the more I see shades of Doug Baldwin in his style of play. That’s my comparison: Doug Baldwin.
Weaknesses
Physical Size
Ladd may not be the biggest presence on the field. At the 2024 NFL Combine, two physical measurements stood out: Arm Length at 30 1/4″ and hand size at 8 5/8″. These measurements aren’t considered elite, in fact, they’re on the lower end. As we discussed earlier, his short-area quickness is a key factor in his ability to create separation off the line. However, in the NFL, he’ll face the challenge of going up against larger and stronger opponents, which will require him to work even harder to find success.
Despite his measurements, McConkey consistently plays bigger than his size suggests. While some may view his size as a concern, I don’t share that sentiment.
NFL Fit and Draft Capitol
Most NFL analysts are projecting McConkey to go in the mid to high second round. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if he sneaks into the back end of the first round. Considering Calvin Ridley‘s likely departure in free agency, I can envision McConkey seamlessly fitting into this offense and making a significant impact.
Dynasty Outlook
Finally, Ladd has the potential to make a quick impact in the NFL. His polished route-running skills should translate seamlessly at the next level. In terms of fantasy football, I see his ceiling as a mid to high-end WR2. In the end, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him drafted around the 2.10 to 3.1 range in rookie drafts.
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