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Ladd McConkey Dynasty Value

By Kevin English | Updated on Fri, 05 Apr 2024 . 10:42 AM EDT

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McConkey quickly climbed Georgia's depth chart.

He led Bulldog WRs in catches, yards, and TDs from 2021-2023, thriving both as a short and long-range target.

Although he’s not physically imposing (6’0, 186) McConkey’s burst and change-of-direction skills allowed him to uncover seamlessly.

But what does the future hold for his dynasty value?

Let's tackle that question and much more.

Ladd McConkey Dynasty Values

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Ladd McConkey Draft Profile

Ladd McConkey Combine Results

Percentiles vs Combine WRs since 1999, per MockDraftable

Ladd McConkey College Stats

Underdog Turned Contributor

McConkey joined Georgia as a three-star recruit in 2020. A redshirt year followed.

He soon made an impact, though, finishing second or tied for second in catches, yards, and TDs in 2021. (TE Brock Bowers led the squad across the board.)

McConkey outproduced WRs Adonai Mitchell and Jermaine Burton, the former a potential Round 1 pick and the latter profiling as a mid-rounder.

McConkey spent nearly half his time in the slot and primarily ran shallow routes (8.9-yard average depth of target). Come 2022, though, he’d showcase more versatility.

Momentum Builds 

It’s always encouraging to see meaningful contributions from a redshirt freshman.

The good vibes continue when that talent shines brighter in Year 2.

That was the case with McConkey, who set what would stand as career highs across categories (58-762-7). This time, he played 75.1% of his snaps out wide, while his aDOT jumped nearly 4 yards.

The raw numbers don’t pop compared to the top WR prospects in this class. But consider the presence of Bowers, a dynamic TE/WR hybrid who commanded targets. 

Also note: Georgia QBs averaged only 30.8 passes per game across McConkey’s three seasons. At the same time, Georgia's defense allowed fewer than 16 points per game.

So he never benefited from a high-volume passing game.

Injuries Slow Progress

McConkey suffered a back injury in August 2023, forcing him to miss the first four games.

“It's killing him not to be out there … it's all he wants to do,” HC Kirby Smart said in September, via the Athens Banner-Herald. “That's been hard on him. Hopefully he gets healthy enough to help us.”

McConkey would go on to miss late-season time with an ankle injury. In between, he’d flash the dynamic skill set that surfaced in 2021 and 2022.

In fact, McConkey set career highs in yards per catch (16.1) and yards per route run (3.26). The YPRR figure ranked eighth among 409 WRs with 35+ targets. (McConkey saw 37.)

So he showed elite efficiency alongside a growing portfolio of big plays. 

But is there enough here to project meaningful dynasty value for McConkey?

Ladd McConkey Highlights

Games watched: Florida (2023), Alabama (2023), Auburn (2023), Oregon (2022), South Carolina (2022), Kent State (2022)

McConkey Might Be More Than You Think

Let’s get one thing straight: McConkey is not your prototypical slot receiver.

He’s not a throwback, short-range slot like Wes Welker or Julian Edelman.

And he proved it at Georgia with his ability to play outside and beat SEC DBs deep. From 2021-2023, McConkey ran 70.3% of his snaps out wide (per PFF). 

Remember, he ran a 4.39 forty. Here's a good example of him showing it off on a double move:

Dangerous After the Catch

Now, his speed and suddenness certainly showed up on shorter routes. In fact, that was a point of emphasis for HC Kirby Smart.

25.3% of McConkey's career targets came on screens. He forced a missed tackle every 3.9 catches. That's ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. (9.6) and Rome Odunze (6.4) and only slightly behind Malik Nabers (3.2).

Here, we see him break one tackle, outrun a couple of defenders, and pick up the first down.

Route-Running Quicks

McConkey's elusiveness showed up as a route runner. His release packages allow him to dodge press coverage -- a tactic he might see more of in the pros.

In the next clip, McConkey makes a nice grab against Florida CB Jason Marshall Jr., one of the top CB recruits in the 2021 cycle and a future pick in the 2025 draft.

All-Around Threat

This final clip provides a nice summation of McConkey's game. He's crafty, quick, and capable of quickly hitting his top speed. 

The tape often shows opposing DBs taking poor angles on tackle attempts -- evidence of McConkey's excellent play speed.

Where He Might Struggle

At Georgia, McConkey fared just fine on contested catches. But his play strength often showed up as below average when trying to break tackles.

Note: His arm length (10th percentile), wingspan (9th percentile) and hand size (6th percentile) aren't ideal for the NFL. At nearly 6'0, 186 pounds, he won't have a raw size edge over most DBs.

Dynasty Value Conclusion

McConkey checks in as our WR8. He's our 13th-ranked player in 1-QB setups; 17th in superflex. So you can consider him in Round 2 of rookie drafts.

(Check his rookie ADP to see if he's making it that far on average.)

We're buying a high floor here. McConkey's combo of speed and route-running chops should have him earning fantasy-friendly targets within a season or two. But physical limitations and a lack of standout college production make a top-end ceiling tough to project.

Still, if he maxed out as a low-end WR2, you'll be getting a fine ROI.

Ladd McConkey Team Fit: Carolina Panthers

The consensus among draft analysts puts McConkey in Round 2. Carolina picks twice in Round 2 (33rd and 39th overall) and holds the first pick in Round 3.

So this one makes sense.

And it's not exactly a stretch when you look at this roster. Despite adding Diontae Johnson, the Panthers need more to support Bryce Young.

Maybe Jonathan Mingo improves significantly in Year 2. But his advanced metrics suggest there's a long way to go. Plus, Carolina's breaking in a new coaching staff (HC Dave Canales; OC Brad Idzik) and a first-year GM (Dan Morgan).

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