Scouting the Nation 2024 NFL Draft: Georgia's Top Wideout and Three Transfers

Who are this week's players that have the spotlight shined on them for the NFL Draft?

In this edition of Scouting the Nation, we take a look at Georgia’s top receiver, an under the radar quarterback, the best wideout in the ACC, and a tight end who will put up big time numbers at Ole Miss.

WR Ladd McConkey, Georgia

When watching McConkey's film, his ability to sink his hips and change direction were phenomenal. He is explosive off the line, with high-end speed to erase defenders' cushions and threaten them deep. McConkey can win at all three levels of the field, consistently creating separation. The craftiness and understanding of how to attack leverages were also evident on McConkey's film. He has inside/outside versatility and is a willing blocker, both things coaches will love. McConkey's game will translate well to the next level and he has the talent to be a pro bowl caliber receiver by the time his rookie contract is up. When analysts review the 2023 draft a few years down the line, McConkey will be considered a top 20 player from the class.

QB Austin Reed, Western Kentucky

After the departure of Bailey Zappe, Western Kentucky had a void to fill. Reed, a transfer from West Florida, took the reins and had a phenomenal season. He threw for 4,744 yards and 40 touchdowns while rushing for eight touchdowns. His film backed up the numbers, as Reed was accurate, threw with good velocity and moved well within the pocket. He’s a better prospect than Zappe, who went in the 4th round of the 2022 draft and looked good for the Patriots as a rookie. Reed is the top Group of 5 quarterbacks and should be on the Senior Bowl’s short list of quarterbacks they want to pursue.

WR Da'Quan Felton, Virginia Tech

A transfer from Norfolk State, Felton is going to have an astronomical rise this upcoming fall at Virginia Tech. He has excellent size at six foot three, 205 pounds and can fly. He consistently blew by defenders on tape and showed the ability to track the ball well downfield. Felton possesses the coordination to come back to the football and natural hands to secure the catch. He makes a lot of “wow” catches on film. Playing in the ACC should make Felton a household name early next season. He has so much talent and should be the focal point of the Virginia Tech offense. It is hard to find players with Felton’s combination of size, speed and hands. Expect Felton to be first-team All-ACC next season and one of the first players drafted from the conference.

TE Caden Prieskorn, Ole Miss

On his Memphis film, Prieskorn was a high-level blocker and pass catcher. Memphis asked Prieskorn to block a lot and he excelled in that area. Prieskorn played with good technique, keeping his hands in tight and using his length and athleticism to seal off defenders. Prieskorn works well in space and plays with the right mentality to be an effective blocker at the next level. As a bigger weapon, Prieskorn displayed impressive speed. He is quick off the line and builds up speed downfield. Prieskorn does a good job of getting in and out of his breaks and can separate from linebackers and safeties. With the ball in his hands, Prieskorn is fast and hard to bring down. His hands were also fantastic and Prieskorn is a natural hands catcher. He had 602 yards and seven touchdowns last season. At Ole Miss this year, Prieskorn could easily lead the nation in yards and touchdowns. Prieskorn is a day one NFL starter.

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