PFF says the quiet part out loud about emerging Justin Herbert-Ladd McConkey duo

Rising up the ranks.
Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey came out of the gates like a bullet train in his rookie year and develop quite the chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert.

McConkey quickly became Herbert's favorite target in 2024 after the Chargers selected McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. McConkey was targeted 112 times, which was more than any other receiver on the team.

The pair looks to be the perfect dynamic duo for at least the next four years. PFF's rankings of QB-WR/TE only reassure fans that this is only going to get better.

Herbert-McConkey pairing is going to be special for years to come

Trevor Sikkema wrote an article for PFF, as he ranked the top 32 QB-WR/TE duos in the NFL. Herbert and McConkey came in 11th after just starting to play together last year.

"Herbert recorded a 91.1 PFF passing grade last season when targeting the rookie McConkey. He recorded five big-time throws looking McConkey’s way, with a 10.7-yard average target depth, but also had five turnover-worthy plays.

McConkey and Herbert did account for more than 1,300 yards, and McConkey should lead the way for the Chargers' passing attack yet again in 2025."

In 16 games last year, McConkey caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He demonstrated his full potential in the playoff loss to the Houston Texans, where he had nine receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown, including an 86-yard touchdown. McConkey finished ninth in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Herbert has his fair share of other targets to throw to, as Quentin Johnston showed growth in his second season in the NFL last year. Rookie receiver Tre Harris is looking to make a splash on the roster after Los Angeles selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

McConkey stands out as the top guy, though, among the receivers, and that won't change anything in 2025. Herbert has gone through so much change at the wide receiver position over his five-plus-year career, and he finally has some stability with McConkey.

The NFL needs to watch out, as Herbert and McConkey are ready to take it over with their dynamic duo of a team that would put Batman and Robin to shame.