After shipping wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams out of the AFC West this summer, the Los Angeles Chargers found themselves in need of a pass-catcher. Luckily for first-year Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, the team possessed the fifth-overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. However, although LSU standout Malik Nabers was available, Harbaugh opted to take tackle Joe Alt with the pick. Receiver Ladd McConkey was welcomed next at pick 34.
McConkey, a three-year Georgia Bulldog, recorded 119 receptions for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns during his collegiate career. The future 34th-overall pick found the end zone four times while totaling 216 yards on the ground.
The 22-year-old’s success in college has followed him into the National Football League.
After eight weeks, McConkey has hauled in 30 passes for 376 yards and four scores. He’s moved the chains 19 times – more than anyone on the team not named J.K. Dobbins – in addition to having the longest passing-play this season for the Chargers; a 60-yard touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
The rookie has excelled in other areas as well. With eight forced missed tackles on the year, only 12 players league-wide have made more would-be tacklers miss after a catch than McConkey has. He’s also demonstrated the ability to catch passes in tight coverage, recording a team-high five receptions when contested.
There have been negatives too, however; none bigger than McConkey’s three dropped passes on the season.
As things stand, only 13 players league-wide are on the hook for more drops than McConkey through eight weeks this season. The Georgia alum’s 9.1% drop rate is the second-highest on the team behind Josh Palmer.
In any event, the good greatly outweighs the bad for Ladd McConkey seven games through his rookie season.
This past week presented his best performance to date.
Los Angeles Chargers, AFC West rookie sensation Ladd McConkey stuffs stat-sheet in Week 8
Not many receivers across the NFL were more productive than McConkey in Week 8. His 111 receiving yards tied for ninth-most league-wide while his two touchdown receptions tied for first.
McConkey was able to post these numbers on only six catches, hauling in all six targets his way.
With a perfect 158.3 quarterback rating when targeted, the second-rounder was 1-of-9 players to give their quarterback a perfect QB rating on passes in their direction. Additionally, McConkey joined George Kittle and Marvin Harrison Jr. as 1-of-3 players to achieve this feat with at least six catches.
For his efforts, McConkey was given the fifth-highest grade among receivers via Pro Football Focus with a mark of 87.9.
Up next on the Chargers’ schedule is the Cleveland Browns, who allow the 18th-most passing yards (1,605) and T13th-least passing touchdowns (10). Perhaps McConkey will put the NFL on notice in back-to-back weeks.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Ryan Sun
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