Why did Ladd McConkey's draft stock fall in 2024 NFL Draft? Outlining potential reasons for Georgia WR’s slide

Ladd McConkey put together a solid college football career as a top wide receiver for the Georgia Bulldogs. He spent three years with the program, totaling 119 receptions with 1,903 scrimmage yards and 18 total touchdowns. Making his output even more impressive is that he played in a run-first offense and competed for targets with other superstars, like Brock Bowers.

During the offseason programs leading up to the 2024 NFL draft, including his pro day and the NFL combine, McConkey reportedly impressed plenty of scouts with his abilities. Most notably, he was praised for his quickness and route-running, profiling him as a high-upside slot receiver.

While many believed that Ladd McConkey could potentially be selected in the later stages of the first round, he remains available on Day 2. His frame may be one of the reasons why, as he weighed in at just 185 pounds, despite being six feet tall. His positional projections could be another factor, as outside receivers often get prioritized more than slot options in the NFL draft.

With many teams that need WRs prioritizing QBs in the first round, McConkey slid into the second. Despite his slight slip in the 2024 NFL draft, there is a good chance that Ladd McConkey will be one of the first wide receivers selected in the second round.

Along with Adonai Mitchell and Keon Coleman, he is considered to be arguably the best available player at his position ahead of Day 2.

Ladd McConkey draft projection: Where could Georgia WR land on Day 2?

Ladd McConkey

The Buffalo Bills will open Round 2 of the 2024 NFL draft as the first team to be on the clock. This means that as long as they don't trade back again, they will have their choice of any of the remaining prospects. Wide receiver should be one of their top priorities after losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis during the offseason, so McConkey makes sense as an option for them.

The New England Patriots featured arguably the worst group of wide receivers in the entire NFL last season. They would be wise to upgrade this position, especially after drafting Drake Maye in the first round. They may now focus on surrounding their new quarterback with better weapons, so McConkey would potentially be a good starting point.

The Atlanta Falcons made one of the most shocking picks of the first round when they selected Michael Penix Jr. at eighth overall, despite signing Kirk Cousins to a massive contract in the 2024 NFL free agency period. They should now get back to addressing more glaring needs, such as finding another receiver to upgrade their offense, which lacked weapons last season.