The San Francisco 49ers focused on defense in free agency but still have several needs heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. The team did not address the offensive line, and it's a safe bet they will do so with some rookie selections next month. The Niners could also continue bolstering things on the defensive side of the football. Adding to the defensive back, defensive line, or linebacker groups remains possibilities.
Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger released his latest mock draft and doesn't have the 49ers drafting at any of those positions. Instead, he has the team adding a bit of an insurance policy on offense, drafting former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey with the No. 31 overall pick.
"McConkey should not be typecast as a shifty slot-only receiver with limited athleticism that's made up for with moxie and grit," Spielberger wrote. "McConkey can win vertically, has great hands in traffic and will cause some defensive backs to trip over their own feet with his sharp cuts and very little wasted movement.
"We're not going to say McConkey is a Brandon Aiyuk replacement, or Deebo Samuel, for that matter, but if either does ultimately get traded before the 2024 season kicks off, it would make sense for San Francisco to look for another pass-catching option immediately."
McConkey (6-0, 185) hauled in 119 receptions for 1,687 yards with 14 touchdowns over his three seasons with the Bulldogs. Additionally, he carried the football 13 times for 216 yards with four touchdowns.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 5' 11 5/8" and 186-pound McConkey posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, a vertical jump of 36 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches, and 13 reps in the bench press.
That's a 4️⃣.4️⃣0️⃣u for @laddmcconkey02 on his second attempt 💨#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/IOWbudT6d9
— Georgia Football (@GeorgiaFootball) March 2, 2024
His performance in Indianapolis drew praise from several analysts and observers, including Rich Eisen, who stated, "He is going to be a problem."
Spielberger has McConkey as the seventh wide receiver selected in his mock draft. While the former Bulldog's collegiate statistics may not be impressive, his 82.6 overall Pro Football Focus grade was the best among Georgia's wide receivers.
"Don't expect McConkey to be an 'X,' jump ball receiver, but outside of that, it's hard to imagine him not succeeding in the NFL," reads the receiver's Pro Football Focus scouting report. "His game is reminiscent of Eddie Royal. Maybe not as fast with long speed, but he has devastating quickness, is good in the return game, and is a strong blocker for his size."
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, from Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27.