Atlanta Falcons Hosting 'Versatile' Georgia WR Ladd McConkey on Pre-Draft Visit

Despite heavily focusing on the offense in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons are still doing their due diligence on this year's group of receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

During his introductory press conference, new Atlanta Falcons coach Raheem Morris expressed his admiration for Georgia Football coach Kirby Smart. That admiration and even self-described “jealousy” of Smart could see Morris and the Falcons target some now former Georgia Bulldogs in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Interest is already being shown in at least one former Bulldog, as according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are hosting Georgia receiver Ladd McConkey for a visit today in Flowery Branch.

“Atlanta is one of 14 teams to do in-person work on the versatile WR. McConkey is an intriguing late 1st, early 2nd option,” Rapoport writes in a tweet about the visit.

Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) runs a drill during Georgia football's Pro Day in Athens, / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite playing in the same offense that featured current NFL talent like receiver George Pickens, tight end Darnell Washington, and some soon-to-be like Brock Bowers and Adonai Mitchell, McConkey, a former three-star recruit out of high school, made a name for himself.

While the 5-foot-11 Chatsworth, Georgia, native may commonly draw comparisons to Hunter Renfrow or other sub-six-foot slot receivers, McConkey isn’t the stereotypical under-six-foot slot receiver. 

Yes, McConkey can play in the slot, which he sometimes did in Athens, but he primarily featured on the outside. Playing as the “Z-receiver” in the Georgia offense, McConkey flourished not only with his often praised route-running, but he paired it with his speed, which he showed off at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.39-second 40-yard-dash.

McConkey finished his career with 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns on 119 receptions in three seasons. This past season, he finished with just 478 yards and two scores, playing in only nine games due to injury. 

While the Falcons have already strengthened their receiving core with the signings of Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud and the trade for Rondale Moore, if McConkey is still available when Atlanta is on the clock in the second round, it could make sense to add the former Bulldog.