Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey was one of the athletic standouts at the NFL Combine. McConkey ran a blazing-fast 4.39 40. Lower-body explosion was evident through his 36-inch vertical and 10-foot-4 broad jumps. McConkey is now a prospect that pairs technical traits with impressive athleticism.
McConkey established himself as an elite pass-catching wideout in the 2024 NFL Draft through his showing at Lucas Oil Stadium. McConkey was also a smooth operator throughout on-field drills, proving he’s a pro-ready finished product as a route runner. McConkey creates easy separation in the passing game with advanced stop-start quickness and explosive footwork.
McConkey is a top-50 prospect. The Chatsworth, Georgia native projects as an immediate contributor in a pass-happy offense at the next level. Following his performance in Indianapolis, we've identified three ideal team fits for McConkey.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
The worst-kept secret of the 2024 NFL Draft may be that the Panthers are targeting a receiver with the No. 33 selection, the first pick of the second round. Carolina isn't equipped with a first-round selection as a result of last year's aggressive trade-up for quarterback Bryce Young. New GM Dan Morgan is tasked with improving Young's supporting cast.
The aging Adam Thielen led the Panthers in receiving yards last season with 1,014. Thielen saw 137 targets almost by default due to a lack of pass-catching threats. The second-most targeted Panthers receiver didn't even surpass 90 targets (Jonathan Mingo, 85). Young and the offense can't overly rely on a soon-to-be-34-year-old Thielen again. McConkey's ability to win underneath the coverage would help Young get the ball out of his hands quickly.
TENNESSEE TITANS
The Titans will be choosing between an offensive tackle and a wide receiver with the No. 7 overall selection. Left tackle has especially been a revolving door over the previous two campaigns, so the expected outcome sees the Titans target a tackle like Joe Alt. If that's the route GM Ran Carthon takes, you can write down "receiver" in pen with the 38th pick.
New head coach Brian Callahan requires more perimeter weapons to properly install his offense for franchise quarterback Will Levis. The aging DeAndre Hopkins is entering the final year of his contract. He's still an effective go-to playmaker, but a succession plan that begins as the WR2 is required this offseason. Levis would appreciate McConkey's route-running prowess.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is equipped with the 50th and 53rd selections in the second round. I could see Roseman targeting a receiver with one of those picks. A third receiver to complement A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith could further unlock Philadelphia's passing offense.
Smith possesses inside-outside versatility, but he still plays approximately 80% of his snaps as a boundary receiver. McConkey can similarly move around the formation, but I'd expect him to command the slot position in Nick Sirianni’s offense. The Eagles averaged a 16th-ranked 225.5 air yards per contest. That mark was down nearly 20 yards (241.5) from the 2022 campaign. Drafting McConkey could get Jalen Hurts' arrow pointing back in the desired direction.
