What would McConkey bring to the Chiefs at pick 32?
Tyler Brown
It goes without saying, the Chiefs have a glaring need at wide receiver. Their number one from a year ago is likely looking at a suspension and their prized addition of this offseason is only signed for one year.
Beyond Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown on the depth chart currently are Justin Watson, Kardarius Toney, Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross. All of those players are useful as a number four, five or sixth receiver, but 2023 proved they cannot be counted on for starter reps.
It is safe to say that Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze will be gone well before the Chiefs are in trade-up range. The same could be said for Brian Thomas Jr. if he gets drafted in the mid-teens. Thomas Jr. likely does not become an option till around pick 21 after the Steelers pass on him.
Other than the annual dark horses of the bunch, that leaves Adonai Mitchell, Xavier Worthy, Troy Franklin and Ladd McConkey as realistic options. It is somewhat likely that Mitchell and Worthy will be gone by 32 after their combined performances, leaving Franklin and McConkey as the most realistic options at 32 if they opt not to trade up.
While there is reason to be thrilled with any of the receivers listed thus far, as they all have their unique strengths in a loaded class, McConkey represents something you do not usually get at pick 32. Let’s take a look at what PFF says about him to show you the point I am about to make.
“Don't expect McConkey to be an "X," jump ball receiver, but outside of that, it's hard to imagine him not succeeding in the NFL. His game is reminiscent of Eddie Royal. Maybe not as fast with long speed, but he has devastating quickness, is good in the return game and is a strong blocker for his size.”
While that description may not have you jumping with joy, but McConkey is such a nuanced route runner that there is not an offense that he would not make better from day one. He is not just that though, he is a blazer too. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and that speed reflects the way Georgia used him, too.
Many have McConkey touted as a slot receiver, but in his career at Georgia, he lined up along the outside 485 times compared to just 204 in the slot. His speed and ability to stretch the defense is a very real thing. Last season at Georgia, he averaged 16.3 yards per catch.
My guess is that in an Andy Reid-type offense, he would primarily be lined up in the slot but he would also be deployed similarly to Justin Watson. Watson over the past two seasons has had plenty of opportunity to make big plays, and he has made some, but McConkey would bring a much higher ceiling running those routes.
It is no secret that Rice feasted in the slot last season, so there could be some redundancy here, but Rice does not just profile as a slot receiver. It is also no secret that Reid desires all of his receivers to play all three receiver positions. Between McConkey, Rice and Brown, all three have had experience in college or the pros playing the X, Y and Z.
Other than Travis Kelce, it has been years since the Chiefs have had a devastating route runner for opposing defenses. Most yards have been created by scheme and after the catch. McConkey would be able to bring major skill in that area (think Julian Edelman or a Michael Thomas type).
Giving Patrick Mahomes another third and fourth down security blanket outside of Kelce would go a long way in this offense as Kelce ages. Mitchell, Worthy and Franklin all have their strengths, whether it is size, speed, route running or a combination of the two. McConkey is the king of the class in the route-running realm though.
Not only is McConkey an underrated deep threat, but also has good YAC ability after catching balls in the short and intermediate areas of the field. He has terrific speed, agility and vision in that area. He also is a good blocker and is said to have good football intelligence and character. I could see the Chiefs falling in love with this guy in the meeting room.
The Chiefs could go any number of directions at pick 32, whether it is the best receiver, offensive tackle or defensive player left on their board. No player would represent a pick as safe as selecting McConkey and he could be much more than just safe. The ceiling is there too.
