Latest rookie rankings prove Chargers nailed top of 2024 draft class

The LA Chargers have certainly seen the early returns from the top of their 2024 draft class. This has been seen throughout the league, as both Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey recently cracked NFL.com's list of the top 25 rookies from the first quarter of the 2024 season

Alt checked in at No. 10 on the list. Gennaro Filice wrote that Alt has shown promise to be a "sturdy bookend" through three games so far. The rookie tackle out of Notre Dame was also given credit in the article for making the switch over to the right side of the line with Slater already in the fold at LT.

Alt has allowed just three pressures on 80 pass blocking snaps played. While the story of the Chargers' offensive line has been injuries and the interior performance, he remains one of their bright spots and future building blocks. Los Angeles will certainly need him back before a high profile division clash at Mile High with the Broncos.

WR Ladd McConkey was placed at No. 22 on the list. He's the team's leading receiver through four games with 176 yards. McConkey also leads the team in targets, receptions, and receiving first downs.

McConkey's athletic ability is what really has popped off of the screen through four games. He registered a top speed of 21.09 MPH vs. the Chiefs on his 37-yard catch and run. Finding his spot in the back of the end zone for Herbert to just narrowly fit in a touchdown ball was also an impressive feat.

It's clear that if the Chargers are going to have an active passing attack more consistently, it will likely be Ladd McConkey making the plays.

Not every Chargers rookie has been impactful, though

There are definitely some picks from the Chargers' 2024 NFL Draft class that still have to prove themselves.

Justin Eboigbe and Kimani Vidal have not yet seen the field. Brenden Rice has seen some very sparing special teams action. But when a front office hits on two top picks as cleanly as the Chargers seem to have with Alt and McConkey, it's hard to consider the draft anything but a win for the time being.

Entering Week 5, McConkey was tied for seventh in PFF receiving grade amongst all wideouts. Alt boasts a 77.0 overall grade with particularly high marks in the run game with a 77.8.

Any path forward for improving a Chargers' offense that has scored just 20 points in their last two games certainly includes both Alt and McConkey continuing to impress. They'll hopefully both suit up against Denver. Alt was back at practice last week and was also seen on the field yesterday.

Him returning from a sprained MCL that forced him to miss the Chiefs game would be massive for Los Angeles.