Ladd NFL Combine
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00:00 >> How's it going?
00:02 >> Good, how are you?
00:03 >> Hey, lad, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired a receiver's coach,
00:06 Brian McClendon.
00:06 What can you say about him and how he's gonna do in the NFL?
00:09 >> Yeah, that's my guy, I've always said it.
00:11 B-Mac is a great coach, but he's even a better person.
00:15 So I appreciate everything he did for me, and I wish him nothing but the best.
00:19 >> Did you meet with him or their team this week?
00:22 >> We'll be back now, I'll have a hot meal.
00:24 >> Have you met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at all?
00:27 >> I mean, between the senior bowl and here, I think I met with every single team.
00:32 >> Was it a formal or informal with the Bucs?
00:35 >> This week I not have a formal with them.
00:37 >> Hey, lad, how much pride do you take in your ability to win outside but
00:40 also win in the slot?
00:42 >> Yeah, I feel like I'm a guy that can kind of play, like you said,
00:45 a little bit everywhere.
00:46 I think I've had double snaps outside and I did inside in college.
00:50 But I feel comfortable in both positions.
00:54 I think I can win on the outside and inside.
00:56 >> Lad, what was your experience with Todd Muck and
00:57 how did you feel about reuniting with him in Baltimore?
00:59 >> Yeah, no, he was, again, he was a great coach.
01:02 He did a lot for me.
01:03 He gave me a chance in that second year and we won two natties together.
01:09 So it was a special time.
01:10 So yeah, to be able to reunite with him, it'd really be cool.
01:14 So he's a great coach, great person.
01:17 I mean, they had a good year this past year as well, so.
01:20 >> What a talented wide receiver draft class.
01:22 What do you feel like separates you from all the other talented guys here?
01:26 >> Yeah, I really think that when it comes to competing,
01:31 I'm gonna out-compete you, I'm gonna out-work you.
01:33 I mean, I think I can run routes, I can play on the outside, inside,
01:38 special teams.
01:38 I think I'm very versatile and can do a little bit of everything.
01:41 So I don't know, I mean,
01:44 obviously the guys in this draft class are ridiculous.
01:46 We have some great receivers.
01:47 But when it comes to doing a little bit of everything,
01:49 I think I can stand up there with all of them.
01:51 >> How do you wanna build on your senior bowl week this week?
01:54 >> What is it?
01:55 >> How do you wanna build on the senior bowl week?
01:56 >> Yeah, it's just another chance to get in front of all these coaches,
02:00 all these GMs, and show them what I'm about.
02:01 So I'll have a good outing tomorrow on the field work.
02:04 I hope that I've done well in the interviews.
02:07 So yeah, just build on it.
02:08 >> Wow, I think you're right.
02:09 >> What are you trying to show?
02:11 >> What is it? >> In the interviews,
02:12 what are you trying to show them?
02:13 >> Yeah, just be who I am.
02:14 I mean, at the end of the day, you can't fake it,
02:16 cuz eventually they're gonna find out who you are.
02:19 So yeah, just be who I am, show them what I'm about, and
02:23 what I think I can do to contribute to it.
02:25 >> Lad, I think you're a three star coming out of high school.
02:27 Right now, outside of the top 1,200,
02:29 what was the biggest key to your development to getting to this point today?
02:32 >> Yeah, just put my head down to ground, really.
02:34 That first year I was on the scout team, didn't play.
02:38 And I think that made me a better player for sure.
02:41 I got so many good reps against so many good players.
02:44 So it was just those reps, just working, working, working,
02:46 keep my head down.
02:47 When I got the opportunity, I feel like I made the most of it.
02:49 >> Building off of that, Lad.
02:50 Your versatility, being able to play inside as well as outside,
02:53 there are other receivers in this class.
02:55 Is there a couple guys that you've looked at that previously played in the NFL or
02:57 that are here in the NFL that also have a versatility that you would not like
03:00 being out here?
03:01 >> Yeah, when it comes to receivers, everyone always asks me that.
03:05 There's not one guy that I simply focus on.
03:09 I like to see what works for people.
03:11 And if it looks pretty good, I'm gonna try it.
03:14 And if it works for me, I'll keep it.
03:15 And if it doesn't, kinda move on to the next.
03:17 So it's not really like I'm studying one specific guy.
03:20 Just see what works and stuff like that, and go from there.
03:23 >> Lad, to go from such an unheralded prospect, perhaps,
03:26 to being a projected first or second round pick, when you think-
03:29 >> What is it, I'm sorry?
03:29 >> So you went, obviously,
03:30 I'm glad we were talking about unheralded prospects and now projected first or
03:33 second round pick.
03:34 When you think about the journey, the fact that you're here,
03:37 when did it become real for you that this is your reality now?
03:40 >> Yeah, I mean, it's truly a blessing.
03:42 And kinda look around here, when you walk in here, see the NFL,
03:46 see combine, stuff like that.
03:48 Walk on the field and see everything set up.
03:51 It kinda hits you, okay, we're here.
03:52 It's, I mean, yeah, it felt like it was forever away when you're little.
03:57 But now it's right here in front of me, so I'm trying to take the most of it.
04:01 Yeah, just do everything I can to put myself in the best position possible.
04:05 >> I'm from Jacksonville.
04:06 If you could just talk about your relationship with Trayvon and
04:08 Tyson during your time at Jordanville.
04:10 >> Yeah, those are two good guys and heck of a players as well.
04:13 So I gotta go against Tyson, that Frank Sheahan scout team.
04:16 So he made me better and to see Trayvon is a freak.
04:20 So I don't think there's anything he can't do.
04:23 >> And last one for me, Carson Beck.
04:25 He'll be here this time next year.
04:26 >> Yeah. >> Can you tell people what they can
04:28 expect this time next year from him?
04:30 >> Yeah, he's a playmaker for sure.
04:31 So he's gonna be a top draft pick next year.
04:35 I think he could have been this year as well.
04:37 So for him to go back, I know he's gonna have a huge year.
04:40 I know he's focused on that, lead him to another national championship.
04:43 So I'm super excited about him and the rest of the team.
04:45 >> You've dealt with injuries for most of this year.
04:48 Just one, how are you feeling physically now?
04:50 And two, what do you wanna show NFL teams as far as your health now and
04:54 going forward?
04:55 >> Yeah, I mean, I feel really good.
04:57 This past couple months training, it allowed me to really rehab,
05:00 get my body right.
05:02 I'm focused when I need to focus on.
05:03 So it's been solid.
05:05 I feel really good.
05:06 So I'm excited about going out there and putting on a good show.
05:09 >> If you had to pick one game to show scouts that best showcases your
05:12 abilities, your inside, outside, all that stuff, what game would you pick?
05:15 >> Yeah, I think I had a good game against Florida this year.
05:18 Good stats and everything, but I really think I showed,
05:22 even when I didn't have the ball in my hand, what I could do.
05:25 >> Have you met with the Cowboys?
05:26 >> What is it? >> Have you met with the Cowboys?
05:28 >> Yeah, like I said, I feel like I've met with every single team from the senior
05:32 goal, combine.
05:34 So yeah, I've met with everybody, honestly.
05:37 >> Coach Schmoyer always talks about guys like you and Brock at Georgia,
05:40 playing through injuries and making yourself money on the NFL level,
05:44 playing through injuries.
05:44 Is that something any of these NFL teams have talked to you about,
05:47 just your level of toughness?
05:48 >> I mean, yeah, they talk about it, but at the end of the day,
05:51 they just wanna see you go out there and produce.
05:53 It doesn't matter, you feel good, you're hurt.
05:56 If you're not putting good stuff on tape, it is what it is.
05:59 So yeah, I mean, it's part of the sport.
06:02 I feel like you're not gonna feel 100% all the time, especially in the SEC,
06:05 the way we play, the way we practice.
06:06 So it just kinda became a lifestyle.
06:09 We're getting out there, we're playing, it don't matter what we gotta do.
06:12 >> Hey, Lad, in that Florida game, I think it was your first catch,
06:14 you had press man, you beat him off the snap.
06:16 How much have you improved in that area since you got to Georgia?
06:19 >> Yeah, so I mean, I only played receiver sophomore, junior year,
06:23 high school, played quarterback growing up, senior year.
06:26 So when I got to Georgia, I got to go against great players that can play
06:31 press man, that can play off man.
06:32 So just getting all those reps, and I think that's what comes with it.
06:36 It's like when you practice your craft and then put it to work,
06:39 I mean, I think it speaks for itself.
06:41 >> Hey, Lad, if you were, last week I got to talk to a former teammate and
06:45 a good friend of yours, Kate Brock.
06:47 He mentioned that he may be up here.
06:49 Is he up here this week?
06:50 And who else is up here supporting you?
06:51 It's good to have teammates around, I'm sure.
06:54 Just talk about the support system that you have and who's up here supporting you.
06:56 >> Yeah, Kate's the man, so shout out DGD outdoors.
06:59 He's got his little page going and everything.
07:01 So that's my man, though.
07:03 I lived with him.
07:04 I lived with him in college, except for the first year in the dorms.
07:07 But I don't think he's up here, but I got my family, I got my mom and
07:10 dad, brother, and sister.
07:11 My grandparents come in to watch, so I have a huge support system, so
07:16 I'm super thankful for all of them.
07:17 >> Hey, Lad, you mentioned that while you were on the scout team,
07:19 you got to compete against the best.
07:21 Who's the best Georgia player you went head to head with in practice?
07:25 >> Geez, you put me on the spot with that one.
07:27 No, I'm gonna go with my guy this year, Morrie Lester.
07:33 Y'all see him play.
07:36 He leaves it all out there.
07:37 He's a smart player.
07:37 He plays with his hands well, quick feet, can run, play the ball on the air.
07:42 So not many DBs have what it takes to get the job done in the run game and
07:47 the pass game, and I think he shows that every single game, every single practice.
07:51 So yeah, he was a fun one to compete against.
07:53 >> Lad, what do you feel like is your biggest asset that you bring to the NFL team?
07:58 >> Yeah, I mean, I think, like I said, I'm versatile.
08:01 I'm kind of play inside, outside, play special teams.
08:04 Just a guy that I feel I can get the job done.
08:07 Whatever you need, I can be the one to do it.
08:09 >> With so much value being from the vehicle position on defense,
08:13 do you feel like the slot where you probably end up being that defensive?
08:18 >> Say that again?
08:19 >> I said, do you feel like you'll be able to bring value as far as being in
08:22 that slot, or do you have a preference?
08:24 >> No, I mean, I don't have a preference talking to the teams.
08:27 I mean, I feel like I can play inside, out, and outside.
08:29 So I feel like I did that at Georgia, they kind of moved me around,
08:32 skimmed me up.
08:33 So yeah, I mean, I'd love to be able to play inside, out, and outside.
08:36 Whatever they need me to do, I feel like I can do it.
08:39 I mean, as a receiver, if you can play X, Y, and X, F, N, Z,
08:42 move around, I feel like it's hard to come off the field.
08:44 >> Do you have a desire to return punts?
08:47 >> Yeah, definitely, for sure.
08:48 So that's something I really enjoy doing, 2022 year.
08:52 Didn't get to do it this past year, missed first four games.
08:55 McCown Muse came in and did a great job, so they let him roll with it.
08:58 But that is something I for sure wanna do.
09:00 >> What was it like having Mike Tomlin on the sideline,
09:03 on the field for you guys during the senior bowl practices?
09:06 And have you been able to speak to him at all down here in Indianapolis?
09:09 >> Yeah, it's cool seeing guys like that, seeing coaches.
09:13 It's just another thing, it's like I'm really doing this, really living my dream.
09:19 So to see guys like that that you really watched growing up and
09:22 seen doing it at the highest level, it's special.
09:25 >> Lad, are you gonna be the first pro football player from North Murray?
09:28 And if so, what would you tell kids from that area?
09:31 >> Yeah, from North Murray, I think so.
09:33 I've had some guys go play college ball, but
09:35 I think I'll be the first one to take it to this next level.
09:38 So appreciate all the support from North Georgia.
09:42 Not too many people there, but yeah, I feel their love every day.
09:46 So if you're a kid in North Georgia, just put your head down and grind, and
09:49 you never know what can happen.
09:50 >> Lad, I know Charlie Warner now has a picture of himself up in front of
09:54 Raven County.
09:55 Are you maybe expecting to have one up in your home county as well,
09:58 which makes the league?
09:59 >> I don't know, I mean, that's for them to decide, really.
10:03 Yeah, it'd be special, it'd be cool.
10:05 They've done so much for me already, I'm good.
10:09 >> A lot of the defensive guys yesterday talked about versatility,
10:12 is your guy just at Georgia?
10:13 How much is that emphasized on both sides of the ball,
10:15 just developing all those different skill sets to make more value?
10:18 >> Yeah, I mean, Coach Murdoch always says it,
10:20 best players on the team can play special teams.
10:22 And that's how we did it.
10:25 If you were starting on offense, starting on defense,
10:27 you were gonna be starting somewhere on special teams.
10:29 You gotta earn your straps that way before you can get out there.
10:31 So it showed, no matter who you are, you can play special teams.
10:35 >> Lad, can you give me your Brock Vandegrove scouting report for Kentucky?
10:38 >> Brock Vandegrove scouting report?
10:39 Yeah, he's a heck of a player.
10:41 I've seen him.
10:42 He hasn't got the opportunity to really display it out on the field,
10:45 like in games and stuff like that.
10:47 But in practice, he's a guy that can make plays with his feet.
10:51 He's got a strong arm, he can rip it.
10:53 So I know he's gonna be successful at Kentucky this year.
10:56 He's a great guy, he's a leader.
10:58 He's confident in his ability.
10:59 So once he gets out there and gets comfortable, I know he's gonna kill it.
11:02 >> Lad, hypothetically speaking, what would it mean to you to be able to catch
11:05 passes from a guy like Aaron Rodgers if you were drafted by the Jets?
11:08 >> Yeah, I mean, that sounds pretty cool.
11:10 >> Yeah. >> [LAUGH]
11:13 >> But those are guys I grew up watching.
11:16 You see those guys doing it at the highest level, and
11:17 now it's right here in front of me.
11:19 So that would be pretty cool.
11:22 [BLANK_AUDIO]