There's a clear need for offensive weapons on the Chicago Bears, as D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet were the main two receiving targets for Justin Fields last season. The need for another true No. 1 receiver isn't there, per se, but stacking their receiver room with playmakers should always be the goal.
Considering this draft class' depth at wide receiver, the Bears don't need to address that position with their second first-round pick. If they do, that won't be a bad thing, especially if Rome Odunze is available at No. 9. But, with the likelihood that Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, and Malik Nabers being drafted prior to the ninth pick, grabbing a later-round receiver isn't a bad idea.
Chicago Bears scouts better watch Ladd McConkey at the Senior Bowl
If the Chicago Bears could land Ladd McConkey on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, opposing defensive coordinators should fear what could happen if either D.J. Moore or Ladd McConkey get the ball with space.
Here is every one-on-one rep by #Georgia WR Ladd McConkey on Day 1 of the Senior Bowl: pic.twitter.com/ogbpFeoXy6
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 30, 2024
Here is every one-on-one rep by #Georgia WR Ladd McConkey on Day 2 of the Senior Bowl! pic.twitter.com/JqsDmJTwpW
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 31, 2024
McConkey entered Mobile, AL, standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 187-pounds. With the aid of an NFL strength program, McConkey could add a few pounds of muscle and be set to play in the NFL for a decade-plus.
Between his twitchiness and the speed of his feet, McConkey is a nightmare to face-up against. He can beat you just about anywhere on the field, and if he's in open space, good luck. An offense with D.J. Moore and Ladd McConkey running routes would be tough to plan against.
Whenever watching McConkey run with the ball in his hands, he looks like he's doing the Isiah Pacheco foot-punch run. Every stride is as if he's trying to run as fast as he can, and for a head coach like Matt Eberflus, who loves players who don't loaf, Ladd McConkey could be the Chicago Bears' guy on Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Whoever drafts Ladd McConkey, whether at the end of the first round or at the beginning of the third round, will be getting a long-time NFL starter. He has the skills to be an NFL receiver currently, and there's no reason to believe he's reached his peak.
Ladd McConkey is going to be a great NFL receiver, and the Chicago Bears better be paying attention at the Senior Bowl because his stock is going to continue to rise.