The LA Chargers selected Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and thus far in 2024, he has been exactly as advertised. McConkey has slowly grown a rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert, culminating in his best game as a pro in Week 8 against the New Orleans Saints.
McConkey hauled in six catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. The former Bulldog leads the Chargers in receiving yards and is near the top of the list among rookie receivers. McConkey is sixth among rookie receivers in total receiving yards, fourth in receptions, third in receiving touchdowns, and fourth in yards per game.
As impressive as those stats are, they do not even tell the full story of how impressive McConkey has been thus far. When it comes to pure route-running talent, McConkey is among the best not just for rookies, but in the entire NFL.
Yards per route vs. press man coverage.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) October 28, 2024
1. A.J. Brown (6.5)
2. Ladd McConkey (5.3) 👀
3. Justin Jefferson (4.5)
4. CeeDee Lamb (4.2)
5. Malik Nabers (3.9)
I removed screens and scramble drills to get to the real route runners.
Chargers' Ladd McConkey is among the best route-runners in the league
Press man coverage is one type of coverage and the Chargers are not going to face it on every single down. However, this stat still illuminates just how good of a route-runner McConkey is and why he has been so successful so early on in his NFL career.
This also is a testament to the Chargers' draft process. Malik Nabers, who is a superstar in the making, also cracks the top five three spots behind McConkey. Los Angeles essentially drafted someone who is on the same level as Nabers in the route-running department in the second round.
MUST-READ: Jim Harbaugh compares Ladd McConkey to NFL legend
Granted, Nabers has more to his game and has a higher overall ceiling than McConkey, but the Chargers were able to add Joe Alt as well.
McConkey may not have the high-end athleticism or the superstar traits that the other guys on this list have, but he is an extremely high-floor player because of his fundamental route running. The former Bulldog may never be the best receiver in the league but if his rookie season is any indication, he will always be at the top of the list.
Herbert needs to continue building a rapport with McConkey as the 2024 season goes along not just to spark the Chargers' offense, but to build for the future as well. McConkey very well could be Herbert's new Keenan Allen and it is important to build on that chemistry early.
And who knows, in four years time when another second-round pick comes into the NFL and instantly ranks among the best in the league maybe McConkey will be that goal standard (like A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb) that they are compared to.