In the words of that sage draft observer Carl Spackler, “It’s a Cinderella story.”
In 2020 Ladd McConkey chose the Georgia Bulldogs in 2020 over a competing offer from UT-Chattanooga. Tonight the Murray County Menace was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 34th overall pick, early in the second round of the NFL Draft.
McConkey is the first offensive player taken in the newly minted Jim Harbaugh era. In fact the Chargers traded up one spot with the New England Patriots to land Madd Ladd, who also had pre-draft interest from the Patriots. That makes it seem like Harbaugh just couldn’t stand the thought of watching his guy go off the board one spot ahead of the Bolts’ pick.
It’s easy to see why Harbaugh would want McConkey in the fold. Over the course of three seasons in the red and black McConkey caught 119 passes for 1,687 yards (14.2 ypc) with 14 touchdowns. He also rushed 13 times for 216 yards (14.4 per rush) and found the endzone 4 times as a ball carrier, including this career capper against Florida State:
Ladd McConkey weaves his way into the endzone for a Bulldog TD
Georgia up BIG over FSU in the first half
(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/ex4DHUcuX2
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 30, 2023
McConkey’s acceleration and route-running stood out throughout his career in Athens, but really caught the eye of scouts at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, where he ran an impressive 4.39 forty. It’s no stretch to say he may be the crispest route runner in the 2024 Draft, getting in and out of breaks smoothly and gaining separation with his sneaky explosiveness.
McConkey doesn’t have ideal NFL receiver size (6’0, 186 lb.). But then a lot of the best offensive weapons in the league fall into that category as well. He also faced some questions about his health after dealing with an ankle injury at the end of the 2023 season. McConkey missed five games in 2023, but I think his overall body of work in Athens should quell any doubts about his durability. McConkey’s going to be on the field when he’s needed if there’s any way he can be.
That dovetails with one of McConkey‘s other primary attributes, his reputation as a wonderful locker room guy and a leader on and off the field. He’s just not a player you have to worry about being a morale or legal issue. He’ll show up, he’ll work hard, and if his career in Athens is any indication, he will produce first downs and touchdowns like it’s his job (because now it actually is).
The Chargers have now secured Justin Herbert a reliable weapon who can be used in the slot or downfield. Ladd McConkey has secured the dream that could have eluded him had Kirby Smart not taking a chance on an undersized but productive kid from North Georgia.
This Cinderella story seems to have worked out for all involved. Until later…
Go ‘Dawgs!!!