Ladd McConkey has an average build for his position. He is an extremely fluid athlete, as well as being quite explosive and fast enough to be considered a good athlete. He has good footwork, although I think it could still be significantly improved (there has already been considerable progress in 2023). The biggest physical drawback for McConkey is his lack of power. This lack of physical power was really visible in 2022 (the Kent State film is Ladd McConkey's worst) with some balls ejected upon contact, and drops that occurred, I believe, from a fear of contact on his blind side. This physical shortfall was slightly improved during the offseason, but I still noticed a lack of power on vertical routes and when he's going for 50/50 balls. A difference in mindset and handling his fear of contact meant that the issues with drops or fumbles were improved in 2023.

He has interesting releases but gets dominated on the LOS (Line of Scrimmage). His lack of arm length, power, and simply overall size means he can be susceptible to bump-and-run tactics.A technique used by a DB,aligned in front of a receiver, consisting of a block (bump) on the latter, only during the first 5 yards (beyond that, it's a foul), before following them in their running route.Given his size, he won't be a physical player on the LOS; that's a given. However, there's room for improvement in how he uses his arms, mainly to better develop his route running.
Against off-man coverage, he does a very good job with the tempo of his runs as well as with double moves, head and shoulders fakes. He is capable of consistently winning the leverage battle.

McConkey is an excellent route runner; he is capable of operating at all three levels (short, intermediate, and deep) and possesses a significant route tree. Due to his athletic qualities and space-creating ability, he is a real nightmare for zone defenses on short and intermediate routes. He is likely the best space creator I have had the opportunity to scout; his breaks are sharp and fluid, thanks largely to his hips and low center of gravity. His high football IQ is a major asset, and he knows exactly where and when he can create separation, as well as how to settle into his routes to provide a viable option for his quarterback or create off-script. When attacking the interior routes, he is nothing short of a real problem, capable of gaining significant yards after catch. Even though he's not a "burner," when used in motion, all his qualities are best expressed.

Overall, he has good ball skills and an ability to extend his catch radius impressively, even though he doesn't have long arms, and his hands can be considered reliable after his 2023 campaign. However, be wary in traffic; there are still some issues with aggressiveness, and he can get dominated at the catch point, just as he's not the best at playing the ball at its highest point. His good body control is greatly aided by very good eye/foot/hand coordination. His ball tracking and timing are elite, making him a viable threat in yards after catch. He has a solid transition from receiver to runner, uses juke moves judiciously, and possesses enough speed to gain extra yards. 

He has been used very little in blocking situations on the ground game, making it difficult for me to establish strengths or weaknesses in this aspect of play.

Ladd McConkey is a true "baller" who will have the ability to provide significant day 1 support for his quarterback thanks to his game intelligence, route running skills, and space creation abilities. We could foresee a 70/30 usage between the Slot and Wide positions, even though his lack of power in the NFL will pose a problem on vertical routes and 50/50 balls if he can't create separation at the LOS. He could become a "high volume receiver" with comprehensive utilization in plays like jet sweeps, reverses, etc., but not on a constant basis.
I evaluate Ladd McConkey as a second-round prospect.