Ladd McConkey of the Atlanta Falcons: A Key Fantasy Football Sleeper to Watch in the 2024 Season and What You Should Know
Ladd McConkey of the Atlanta Falcons: A Key Fantasy Footb...
By Oliver Wiener August 17, 2024 09:26
As the 2024 NFL season looms, fantasy football managers are searching for potential sleepers who could be valuable in their drafts. That player is Ladd McConkey, a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons. Here, we focus on McConkey, including his background, whether he should be considered a fantasy football sleeper candidate, and what you need to know about him when placing bids.
Background on Ladd McConkey
Who is Ladd McConkey?
Born on November 11, 2001 in Chatsworth, Georgia. He hit the ground running athletically as a multi-sport star at North Murray High School, where he was a standout athlete in football and track. McConkey held his own at the University of Georgia after graduating high school.
Grade and Honor Roll in High School
McConkey had a productive career at the University of Georgia. A three-star 2020 recruit, Washington blossomed as a playmaker in the Bulldogs' offense. Throughout his college career, he compiled some impressive stats: 30 receptions, 478 yards, and two TDs in the season alone (2023), despite missing several games due to injuries. Also, he showed that in 2022 as a second-team All-SEC performer, which shows his level to play against big-time competition.
McConkey used routes to physically outmaneuver Georgia defenders, and because of his ability on any down-and-field play, he would become the Bulldog quarterback's first choice. He was especially good at running intermediate routes, demonstrating an ability to get open and come down with contested catches. That strong showing at the college level provided a solid foundation for his leap to the pros.
Transition to the NFL
Ladd McConkey was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he will start his professional football career. His switch to the NFL has garnered a lot of attention, particularly as Atlanta searches for new offensive weapons. Between his speed and versatility at receiver, McConkey is the perfect fit for Atlanta's offense.
Ladd McConkey 2024 Fantasy Football Sleeper
2023 Stats
McConkey saw limited playing time in his rookie year due to various injuries. But whenever he was on the field, you could see his play-making ability. Numbers from the 2023 season show he can contribute nicely as a receiver, averaging 15.9 yards per catch and displaying vertical separation ability.
Important Variables For Breakout in 2024
Speed: McConkey boasts 4.39 speed and can win deep downfield with his high-end track times (10.61 in the 100 meters). His agility and quick feet allow him to make defenders miss, which should be an asset for Atlanta in its passing game.
Chance to Contribute to Offense: McConkey should have a notable role in an Atlanta offense that wants to open up the passing game. He has the potential to be a favorite of quarterback Desmond Ridder because he can run such precise routes and exploit defensive back matchups.
More Playing Time in Store: McConkey's expected role will increase as the Falcons build around their youth. While some of that is likely to have appealed with the news veteran receivers were departing, chasing a younger direction should only increase McConkey's stock and potentially see his name called more in passing situations.
Fantasy Outlook & ADP
Currently, McConkey is projected to be a late-rounder in fantasy drafts with an average draft position (ADP) that's not quite worth writing about. That ADP indicates he stacks up as a WR3 in recent drafts for Tannehill and may even be cheaper if you can get him to fill your fourth receiver spot. If he can stay healthy and cash in on his opportunities, McConkey could easily outplay where most draft analysts had him pegged as Semi-top secret favorite footnotes underdog.
What Fantasy Managers Need to Know Before Drafting Ladd McConkey
Risks and Potential Downsides
Target Competition: The Falcons have a blend of guys who could be called quality-proven and potential breakouts, so there are few targets for McConkey. Other players at positions like Drake London (WR) and Kyle Pitts(TE) are big parts of the offense, which could lead to reduced production from McConkey.
College Injury History: McConkey dealt with a back issue during college, and an ankle injury caused him to miss games in 2023. His side has had some admirable resilience, but managers must consider the injury past while drafting.
Team Performance: The performance of the Falcons offense will be big into McConkey's fantasy value. If the Bengals are a team that can't move the ball, or should Ridder not progress as much, it could limit McConkey's effectiveness.
Hints on How to Draft McConkey
Fantasy Draft Strategy: Look to land McConkey as a WR3/4 in the later rounds. Thanks to his high-ceiling, many of you could do much worse in depth at the wide receiver position than completing your roster with Goodwin.
Watch the Preseason: Keep an eye on McConkey during preseason games. If he develops chemistry with Ridder and earns a key role in the offense, then maybe you can move him up your draft board.
Lineup flexibility: Akhil should be a guy you can still use in the right matchups. He has the speed and competes in route-running to be a threat with weaker secondaries, but he should offer some point potential for lineups when he catches plus a competition.
Ladd McConkey is a player to watch for 2024, especially if you are like me in Fantasy Football and buy low/sleeper appeal. Given his monster range of skills, entering a season primed for more usage and current ADP positioning, he could provide serious value to the Atlanta Falcons. He comes with risk, but McConkey is worth considering if you need some fantasy aid. He will be a key figure for fantasy purposes this season, and it will be instrumental in keeping an eye on how he performs as the year progresses.
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