Ladd McConkey is a precise route runner who displays good deceleration & acceleration in his routes, while also showing the ability to adjust his hand placement depending on the throw, then pairs this with a strong change of direction ability after the catch making him a big play… pic.twitter.com/ZXojJ3aSPx
— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) April 1, 2024
Last season, the Detroit Lions featured one of the league’s most productive passing attacks, led by shifty receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and breakout rookie tight end Sam LaPorta.
According to one insider, the squad may acquire another quick weapon in the coming weeks. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso predicts the Lions will select Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey in this month’s NFL Draft, adding one of the fastest receiving prospects and a strong complement to St. Brown.
“How about another useful divider for Ben Johnson and his team to use in Detroit? Trapasso projected that McConkey and St. Brown would have a great time together with the Lions.
Ladd McConkey is praised for his polished game.
Though NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein projected McConkey as a second-round choice, the Lions had the 29th overall pick and may not pass over his mix of skill and athleticism. McConkey recorded a 4.39 in the 40-yard sprint, which tied for sixth best among all receiver prospects.
Zierlein commended McConkey’s technique and body control, saying he showed a “advanced feel for leverage” and enough top-end speed to beat cornerbacks.
“McConkey’s 2023 injuries might have slowed the draft conversation about him, but his route polish, athleticism and ability to uncover over the first two levels could make him a productive slot receiver as a Day 2 pickup,” Zierlein said in a statement.McConkey has also received positive feedback from scouts, with one league scouting director informing Zierlein that he works hard in the film room.
“Really smart,” commented the scouting director. “You can tell he watches a ton of tape with how good he is at picking up on how to attack guys he’s facing.”
Lions have an opening at wide receiver.
The Lions lost some crucial output from their wide receiver group when veteran Josh Reynolds left free agency to join the Denver Broncos. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Reynolds agreed to a two-year contract for up to $14 million, leaving quarterback Jared Goff without a reliable and familiar target.
“Reynolds was the Lions’ third-leading receiver last season with 608 yards and five touchdowns on 40 catches,” Birkett noted in an email. “He played with Goff in 2017-20 with the Los Angeles Rams, and joined the Lions’ midseason in 2021 as a waiver claim from the Tennessee Titans.”
The Lions will also likely expect to third-year wide out Jameson Williams to step up following two abbreviated seasons. He missed much of his rookie season recovering from an injury, and he was suspended for the first four games of the 2023 season for breaching the league’s gambling regulations.
Williams concluded the season with 24 receptions for 354 yards and two scores, making him one of the team’s most efficient deep threats. The Lions also devised other methods to get the ball into the speedster’s hands, with Williams rushing for 29 yards and a touchdown on three attempts.
The Lions have already put other components of their passing game in place. The second-year LaPorta, who has 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns, will most certainly continue to play a key role in the passing game, particularly in the red zone.
