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 nifty separator for Ben Johnson and Co. to deploy in Detroit? McConkey and St. Brown would be a blast together with the Lions,” Trapasso predicted.
Ladd McConkey Praised for 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 praised McConkey’s footwork and body control, noting that he had an “advanced feel for leverage” and enough top-end speed to get past 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 wrote.
McConkey has also earned good reviews from scouts, with one league scouting director telling Zierlein that he puts in a lot of work 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.”
