The dynamic run of wide receivers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft never truly materialized.
While seven receivers heard their names called in the first round, many other hopefuls came away disappointed and will have to wait for a livelier second-round slate to have their futures change forever. One of those names is Georgia slot receiver Ladd McConkey.
McConkey may have been an offseason darling but will have to wait a little bit longer to see which teams are interested in drafting him.
Update: The Los Angeles Chargers drafred Ladd McConkey in the second round, trading up to No. 34 (from the New England Patriots) to select the WR.
Why Did Ladd McConkey Fall to the Second Round?
McConkey was, like many other players available, a victim of difficult circumstances. While his draft stock has soared in recent months, the way the first-round draft boards fell left several top receivers falling into the late-first-round and early second-round window.
Whether it was the fact that six quarterbacks went in the first 12 overall picks, a rush of defenders fell into the later portion of the first round, or the run of offensive linemen, McConkey’s overall talent wasn’t good enough to give teams the value they were looking for in a deep draft class.
At the very least, though, that should be changing as we enter the second round.
McConkey’s Scouting Report
According to Pro Football Network’s draft expert Ian Cummings, despite his strong offseason testing, McConkey was still just seen as a top-50 player among his class.
“McConkey might not have WR1 upside, but he could be a vital piece of a rotation as a quality WR2/3 with slot, boundary, and motion capabilities, with the separation chops and hands to be a target funnel, chain-mover, and clutch presence on money downs,” Cummings stated.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report on Ladd McConkey
It’s precisely that lack of being a top receiver prowess that also led to McConkey falling into the second round. There will still be plenty of teams interested in him, though.
Likely Landing Spots
Despite not being a No. 1 threat, McConkey’s prowess in the slot is something every team could look to have. With the evolution of the position, McConkey looks to be following in the footsteps of the Wes Welkers, Julien Edelmans, and Danny Amendolas of the world.
That’s why there will be plenty of potential landing spots for the Georgia receiver tonight.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills traded back in the first round twice to many people’s surprise. Buffalo has a need at wideout after trading Stefon Diggs, and that’s not something easily replaceable. McConkey could be a nice safety-valve player who torches teams on the boundary for years to come with Josh Allen as his quarterback.
At the very least, McConkey would be another weapon on a rookie deal for Buffalo.
New York Jets
It seems every all-time great quarterback recently has had a dynamic slot receiver. Peyton Manning had Welker, Tom Brady had Welker, Edelman, and Amendola, and even Brees used Michael Thomas almost solely in the slot. For Aaron Rodgers, he could look to add another weapon inside to help prolong his career by limiting the hits he takes.
McConkey would be a great slot receiver and allow Garrett Wilson to be used all over the field — something the New York Jets weren’t able to do last year due to the rash of injuries they went through.
Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers is a dynamic receiver no matter where he is used. What the Baltimore Ravens really need is another dependable receiver who can consistently get open. While a bigger-body player might be what Baltimore is looking for, the Ravens could certainly decide to take the quicker McConkey in the hopes he mixes well with two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
KEEP READING: Best Remaining Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft After Round 1
At the very least, his skill set should be able to allow Jackson to get the ball out quicker.
Los Angeles Chargers
Much like the Ravens and Bills, the Los Angeles Chargers are a perennial playoff contender that has an elite quarterback but questions at receiver. McConkey seems like the perfect kind of player Jim Harbaugh would love to have on his roster for the future — especially since he has seen him up close and personal over the last few years.
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