INDIA — Not at all like Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, or any other former white receiver who made headlines in the slot for the New England Patriots under Tom Brady’s tutelage. Ladd McConkey is his own person. That doesn’t mean that Nick Caserio, the general manager of the Houston Texans and a former Patriots executive, shouldn’t be convinced to bring it to NRG Stadium to fill a comparable position for C.J. Stroud. At Georiga, McConkey won two national championships as a pass-catcher, therefore he’s already superior to the other two. The seventh round choice was Edelman. Danny Amendola and Welker were not selected in the draft. However, McConkey’s strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine on Saturday in Indianapolis might put him in the top 50. Players in the SEC wouldn’t be shocked following his breakout 2022 season.
Jaylin Simpson of Auburn is familiar with what it’s like to play man coverage against McConkey from 2021. At Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Bulldogs crushed the Tigers thanks to a five-catch, 135-yard performance from the 5-11 Chatsworth native. Simpson remarked, “I call him Cookie because he can cook it.” “Ladd McCookie.” Asked about his alter persona, McConkey couldn’t help but laugh. It’s funny, he remarked. That’s what he told me during the Senior Bowl. “Where the heck did y’all get that from?” I said. It’s okay if he calls me that, but not as a full moniker. If Welker and McConkey had anything in common, it would be their love of running routes. For five seasons in Foxborough, Welker—a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro—was regarded as the best route runner in the league.
McConkey wears the same badge of honor heading into the draft. He concluded his Bulldogs career with 1,687 receiving yards on 119 catches and 14 touchdowns. Scouts gush about his deft feet and fluid movements as he enters and exits midfield breaks. Houston’s middle of the field proved to be a vulnerability at times, particularly following Tank Dell’s season-ending leg injury in Week 13. Dalton Schultz did indeed had his moments. In the postseason, so did Noah Brown and subsequently John Metchie III. However, the Texans want to win their first division championship in four years and are ready to soar. Despite coming in eighth place in passing yards, Houston frequently depended heavily on Schultz and Nico Collins.
The versatile receiver Dell is anticipated to clear for the start of training camp. Because of his speed, his 5-8 frame does not limit him solely to the inside. McConkey, who reminded reporters on Friday that he actually lined up more on the outside than the inside during his final two seasons in Athens, might say the same thing. “I feel at ease in both roles,” he remarked. “Both inside and outside, I think I can win.” Where may McConkey tumble to? He is now expected to go in the top 50 on Day 2 of the draft. With a good combine, maybe he’s starting to talk on Day 1.
Given their defensive concerns, the Texans, who have the No. 23 and No. 59 picks in the first two rounds, might decide early on not to pursue a receiver. Still, it’s difficult to imagine McConkey staying out of the picture in a trade-down situation if Houston were to hold two second-round selections as opposed to just one. Although McConkey views every meeting, whether official or not, as a job interview, he can’t help but feel like a movie star because he might be catching touchdown passes from future Hall of Famers. Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the New York Jets, was one candidate discussed. Similar: Possible Target for Texans JC Latham Wants To Improve In Both Tackle Positions “It’s like right here in front of me, those are guys you grew up watching do it at the highest level,” he remarked.
And as for Stroud, well, perhaps McConkey will be the reason the current Rookie of the Year steps into Rodgers’ caliber of lineage in the end.
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