WR Ladd McConkey Prospect Deep Dive: Is He The Best Route Runner In The Class?

I came into this evaluation hearing amazing things about Ladd McConkey and wasn’t disappointed. McConkey is an experienced vet who played three years as a Receiver in the SEC. It wasn’t his production or any highlight reels that got him hyped up; It was his Senior Bowl day performance. He got scouts and analysts intrigued by demonstrating top-notch route running ability at the Senior Bowl. Fans of the draft tend to give superlatives to prospects at certain positions. McConkey has been talked about as being the best route runner in this class. Whether that is the case or not is what we’ll be diving into, as well as his potential role on an NFL team.

Five all-22 games and his highlights were evaluated, and clips from his film are broken down here. All relevant traits were graded based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.

Ladd McConkey’s Receiving Stats

Film Analysis

The clip above is from the 2023 national title game, and Ladd McConkey makes a massive play here. It’s a simple deep-out against a zone blitz, and the DB gives up outside leverage allowing McConkey to take advantage of it.

McConkey puts this DB on skates with this route. He runs another out route, but this time closer to the sideline and it’s against man coverage. He was too quick for the DB to get his hands on him to disrupt his release. Additionally, he fakes to the inside and swiftly changes direction, leaving the DB in the dirt.

On a blown trick play against an Alabama defense, McConkey has the remarkable RAC ability to take this one to the house. Notice how easily he shifts gears and rapidly changes direction to make defenders miss.

Grades

OVR Grade: 1-100

Traits/ Skills

Ladd McConkey’s Pros And Cons

Ladd McConkey Bio

• Ladd McConkey is the ideal weapon for any of these modern-spread offenses in the NFL. As he has the flexibility to be used in the Slot or on the perimeter and is a high-end RAC threat, he’d fit perfectly in one of those offenses.

Pros

• Subtle movement in his hips allows him to create easy separation against defenders.
• Stops and turns suddenly and rapidly redirects his movements.
• Beats press coverage with phenomenal burst and foot quickness.
• Just enough speed to threaten on crossers, streaks, and deep corner routes.
• Showed impressive toughness in catches over the middle.
• A refined route runner at every level of the field; makes DBs look silly on double moves.
• High-IQ player who knows how to manipulate leverage.
• Shifty and elusive after the catch.
• Elite agility and change of direction give him immense upside as a route runner.
• Decent blocker for being under 190 lbs.

Cons

• Only being 6’0″ with shorter arms and an average vertical limits his contested catch ability.
• Isn’t the most reliable hands guy, especially with under 9 inch hands, but that’s nitpicking.
• Won’t ever have that great of a release package due to his frame.

Combine

40 yd: 4.39

Ten yd: 1.52

Shuttle:

Three Cone:

Broad Jump: 10’4″

Vertical: 36″

Bench: 13

Arm length: 30 1/4″

Hand Size: 8 5/8″

Pro Day – TBD

40 yd:

Ten yd:

Shuttle:

Three cone:

Broad Jump:

Vertical:

Bench:

Arm length:

Hand Size:

All-22 Exposures

• Oregon, 2022
• TCU, 2022
• Auburn, 2023
• Kentucky, 2023
• Alabama, 2023

Final Conclusion On Ladd McConkey

Ladd McConkey sticks out in a league that loves flexibility and RAC ability at Receiver. While there are other Receivers in this class with far better upside, McConkey has the best day-one route-running ability out of any other Receiver from this class. That’s saying something, considering how loaded this Receiver class is. The catch with McConkey is his lack of length and ball skills. Drops weren’t exactly an issue for him, but he didn’t thrive in that area either. His lack of size and lackluster catch radius is why he isn’t a top-ten pick.

McConkey initially appeared to be a gadget/ Slot Receiver but is actually also a bit of a perimeter player. While his potential may not be that high, he has one of the best floors as a Receiver in this class. You know he’ll probably be one of the ten best route runners in the pros on day one. Even though you won’t get a superstar, he’s still worth a mid-late first-rounder. McConkey could be a fan favorite if he lands on the right offense, and his career will be fascinating to see pan out.