Quote:
Originally Posted by Chieftain
And watching the draft podcast over at Arrowhead Addict, their guys also weren't pleased with the pick, including Verderame. It was the instinctive natural reaction at the time. Biggest criticism was his thin frame. Now, he may add 10 pounds of muscle over the summer. It is possible.
I still believe McConkey was a safer pick. But Worthy has bigger upside, no doubt. Can stretch the field more. He did play with a broken hand in 2022 which caused his numbers to dip. Has been productive in all his years in college and has great acceleration after the catch, similar to Rice, with a faster takeoff speed. Played in a big name school. Seems book smart. There's a lot to like when sitting back and reviewing the pick. But as they always say, best ability is availability. The NFL is brutal, it's physical. Especially for a receiver.
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Funny how differently people see the world...
I honestly think Worthy is a floor pick rather than a ceiling one. I don't see a ton of room for added growth with him. His route running is already polished. His speed is what it is. His size isn't going to change appreciably. I don't see much ceiling left in him at all - this is the guy he's going to be and what will ultimately impact his productivity is scheme and opportunity.
That will come, for better or worse, fairly early on in his career.
Someone like McConkey has more upside to me because I think there's a translation question that hasn't been answered. I don't think he's been used in as broad a manner as some of his skills suggest he could be used. I think he COULD (not will, but could) be a Z receiver type based on traits and a frame that I think can carry a little more good weight than it has.
So I actually see Ladd as being a higher upside pick and Worthy as being a safer one. Because I think Worthy's floor is as a better version of Hardman. Maybe a Marquis Goodwin sort? And he has had a heck of a career even if he was never a true impact player.
I think Worthy slots in as being between Goodwin and DeSean Jackson. That's not a HUGE outcome curve. Whereas i think McConkey could be anywhere between Skyy Moore and CeeDee Lamb.