What did Nick Saban say about Ladd McConkey? Chargers’ 2nd-round pick’s strengths explored 

Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban lauded Ladd McConkey as one of the most refined wide receivers in the draft. A former Georgia wide receiver, McConkey was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft on Friday.

Despite his smaller size and previous injury concerns, Saban spoke highly of McConkey during a recent interview with ABC, where he said he believes McConkey has the potential to be a great slot guy due to his ability to beat defenders out of the break and create his own space on the field.

As reported by college football insider J.C. Shelton, Saban said:

"I really like this player. Some people question his size and his durability because he's had some injury problems, but the quickness, the burst, the acceleration,” Saban said.

Saban continued:

“When you can beat someone out of the break, you beat them out of the break and you can accelerate out of a break like he can, he's going to create his own space and be a great slot guy."

Although McConkey faced injury troubles during his time at Georgia, he was instrumental in helping the Bulldogs win two national championships. Throughout three seasons, McConkey caught 119 passes on 158 targets for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Despite his limited playing time against Alabama, McConkey showed promise with six receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown, averaging 12.6 yards per catch.

Exploring strengths of Chargers' second-round pick Ladd McConkey

The Los Angeles Chargers made a promising addition to their wide receiver room after selecting Georgia Bulldog Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Despite being a three-star prospect in the 2020 class, McConkey exceeded expectations during his time at Georgia and has been compared to the speedy Cooper Kupp by ESPN analyst Louis Riddick:

“He is a faster Cooper Kupp,” Riddick said. “He runs those deep intermediate in breakers as well as anybody.

“There is no doubt, they are going to dial it up in the middle of the field. He is going to absolutely exploit it.”

With Brock Bowers and Amarius Mims being selected earlier in the draft, McConkey became the third Georgia player to be picked in the 2024 NFL draft.

McConkey's best season at Georgia was in 2022, he has caught 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns.

Nonetheless, former Michigan Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh, who led Michigan to a 15-0 record before joining the Chargers this offseason, will undoubtedly be pleased with the addition of McConkey to his team.

Notably, Ladd McConkey’s selection marked the highest-drafted UGA wideout since A.J. Green in 2011.