NFL Analysis
12/4/24
5 min read
Ladd McConkey's Breakout Has Transformed Chargers Into Legitimate Playoff Contender
The Los Angeles Chargers weren't sure who their top weapon would be for Justin Herbert in 2024, but rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has emerged as one of the biggest surprises of the NFL season.
A second-round receiver, McConkey has quickly emerged as Herbert's primary target. He has caught 58 passes for 815 yards and four touchdowns through 12 games, making him one of the most productive rookies at any position.
There's not anything that immediately stands out at first glance with McConkey. However, his college profile and play style suggest he could become the long-term No. 1 target for Herbert and the Chargers.
McConkey's College Background
A 3-star wideout out of Chatsworth, Georgia, McConkey didn't have offers from a ton of top-tier programs. However, he managed to secure one in his home state, landing with the Georgia Bulldogs.
After redshirting his first season, McConkey went on to play a key role in three years with the Bulldogs. He was a part of back-to-back national championship teams, catching 119 passes for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons. He also carried the ball 13 times, rushing for 216 yards and four touchdowns on those limited rushing attempts, including on this broken play.
Is there anything Ladd McConkey can’t do?
— Aaron Leicht (@aaronleicht) December 30, 2023
If this is the last time he suits up in the red & black, it’s been our pleasure.🫡 #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/xlbl5fDAZK
It wasn't like McConkey was taking college football by storm with that production. In fact, he wasn't even the primary target on his own team, being overshadowed by superstar tight end Brock Bowers throughout his college career.
Still, McConkey's film was impressive enough for him to earn a spot at the Senior Bowl in Mobile before the 2024 draft. It was there where the Georgia wideout showed off his impressive route-running ability in front of NFL scouts.
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
On top of an impressive Senior Bowl, McConkey shined in athletic testing despite a smaller 5115, 186-pound frame. He posted a Relative Athletic Score of 9.26 out of 10 thanks to an impressive 40-yard dash time of just 4.39 seconds.
Despite the strong pre-draft process, McConkey wasn't taken until the 34th overall pick. A lingering back issue was reportedly the reason he wasn't taken in the first round, allowing the Chargers to come away with an absolute steal.
McConkey's Breakout Rookie Season
The Chargers had a major need for someone who could get open and gain Herbert's trust this season. McConkey has done exactly that, unlocking the rest of LA's offense.
Herbert is having the most efficient passing season of his career. While the total numbers aren't as impressive as previous seasons, with 2,551 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, Hebert is posting career-high marks with 7.6 yards per attempt and a 98.2 passer rating with just one interception.
McConkey's presence has helped open up everything in the passing game for Herbert. His route-running and play speed have made him a lethal option in the passing game on intermediate and deep routes.
According to Pro Football Focus, the rookie receiver has caught 30-of-42 targets when thrown to 10-plus yards downfield, generating 582 yards and three touchdowns for a 127.6 passer rating.
It's not just the aggregate numbers but the efficiency at which McConkey is dominating for the Chargers.
In fact, McConkey leads all first-year receivers with at least 20 targets this year in yards per route run, posting a 2.39 YPRR. He's also second behind UDFA Jalen Coker in EPA per target.
McConkey's size would prevent him from ever being a traditional "X" receiver who can physically dominate his opponents to get open or come away with highlight contested catches. However, his play style, speed, and route running make him the perfect "Z" receiver who is capable of getting open in various ways at varying depths to keep defensive backs guessing on the Chargers' passing concepts.
Herbert has lacked that true Z receiver throughout this career, but the second-round rookie has quickly become the perfect schematic fit in the Chargers offense.
Could Ladd Win Rookie of the Year?
Despite all of McConkey's success this season, there's virtually no chance that he'll be recognized as the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The award is typically one that favors quarterbacks, and this year's quarterback class is loaded with talent. Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix are legitimate frontrunners for the award, while the likes of Caleb Williams and Drake Maye have made strong cases at times as well.
Even tight end Brock Bowers, McConkey's former college teammate, has a stronger case for the OROY award. The Las Vegas Raiders rookie already looks like one of the best tight ends in football, catching 84 passes for 884 yards and four touchdowns. His 2.18 YPRR is the fourth-best among all tight ends, behind only Jonnu Smith, Trey McBride, and George Kittle.
None of that should minimize the impact McConkey is having in Los Angeles. He may not receive much in the way of national accolades, but his role for the Chargers will make him an extremely productive wideout in the coming years.
