Mel Kiper Jr. weighs in on Ladd McConkey's draft stock following standout performance vs. Florida

The junior season for Georgia WR Ladd McConkey got off to a slower start due to an injury that kept him out of the first four games. Now, though, he is getting back to his old self and is starting to generate buzz for himself at the next level again.

Mel Kiper Jr. named McConkey as one of the standout prospects from this weekend during an appearance on ‘Monday Blitz’. He had high props for his career-best performance against Florida this past weekend and dove into why many, including himself, still place a solid value on him as an eventual pick in a future NFL Draft.

“Here’s a guy they need at Georgia because of the Brock Bowers injury,” Kiper said as he got to McConkey’s film. “Ladd McConkey has come back from a back injury, he has been on the field the past few weeks. But he was in outstanding, pre-injury form against Florida in The Cocktail Party this past Saturday. Six catches for 135 yards and a touchdown.”

“The quickness? When you talk about Ladd McConkey, the hands? He’ll block. And an underrated part of his game? 13.3-yard average per punt return in 2021. You talk about 2022 as well. He won’t be used in that capacity much this year but the punt return skills add to the value of Ladd McConkey,” explained Kiper. “I have a second or third-round grade on him.”

McConkey posted season highs across the board and in catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns against the Gators in Jacksonville. That also tied his career-bests when it came to receptions and yardage. All that helped him bring home the honor as the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Week from this weekend.

For the season, McConkey now has 15 catches for 242 yards and the one touchdown in four appearances.

Georgia will likely be asking even more from their receivers with their star tight end out following an ankle surgery. That leaves a big opening for McConkey to produce, continue to get back into form, and make even more of a case for himself as a future professional at the next level.

Georgia vs. Missouri: Early point spread released on Bulldogs, Tigers

In a game likely to go a long way in deciding the division, Missouri will face Georgia on Saturday. A year removed from a scare on the road, the Bulldogs opened as big home favorites against the Tigers.

Georgia opened as a 20.5-point favorite over Missouri according to FanDuel. The points total is set at 53.5 points.

With Missouri sitting on one conference loss, the Tigers could seize control of the SEC East with a shocking upset. Otherwise, Georgia will likely only need to topple Tennessee in Knoxville to win yet another SEC East crown.