The Los Angeles Chargers got the benefit of beginning training camp a little earlier than most teams, thanks to being scheduled to play in this year's Hall of Fame Game. And, the excitement is already bubbling over at camp.
Specifically, offensive coordinator Greg Roman lit up when the media asked him about wide receiver Ladd McConkey entering Year 2. Roman was asked if he sees another level McConkey can reach after an outstanding rookie campaign. His response was right out of a childhood commercial many of us remember:
"Oh yeah. Oh yeah, oh yeah ... Oh yeah," Roman replied.
A classic Kool-Aid Man response to get the good vibes rolling at Chargers training camp? Yes, please.
Ladd McConkey's ceiling is still completely untapped and Greg Roman knows it
Let's take a look back at just a couple of quick snapshots of McConkey's rookie campaign which ended with the rookie finishing the season having gone over at least 80 receiving yards in six of his final seven contests.
It didn't necessarily start with a bang. But, what else would you expect from a rookie?
In three of McConkey's first five games as a pro, he finished with just four or less receptions (two in one game and three in another). He only topped 44 receiving yards once in his first six games. Then, McConkey and quarterback Justin Herbert started to get into a rhythm.
From there, all signs pointed upward.
As a whole, McConkey's rookie campaign was obviously outstanding. But, the connection he formed with Herbert cannot be overstated. For example, McConkey finished 2024 with a catch percentage of 73.2.
For perspective, Ja'Marr Chase ended 2024 with a catch percentage of 72.6. We are talking about maybe the top quarterback-receiver duo in football, from a chemistry and talent perspective.
McConkey's number was higher.
Now, that's not to say McConkey is the better player. But, it highlights the fact that he and Herbert connected on such a strong level in Year 1. Their relationship is only going to get stronger, the longer they're together.
So, for Roman to give off that devilish laugh while responding with a few simple "oh yeahs" makes perfect sense.
McConkey to the moon in 2025.