In what was one of the more memorable rookie performances in NFL history, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey not only established himself as a key target for Justin Herbert, but he also etched his name in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2025. Now, the question is can McConkey continue to rise as a top receiver in the league.
If not for Malik Nabers, McConkey would’ve been the top rookie receiver in the league in 2024. Hauling in 82 receptions for 1,149 yards and 7 touchdowns, the former Georgia Bulldogs star more than lived up to the hype leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, he became the glue of the Chargers offense, which is why he came in at No. 100 on the anticipated top 100 players list.
Digital content producer Bobby Kownack writes:
“One year in the league, one appearance on the Top 100 list. McConkey was everything the Chargers could hope for and more as a rookie. He led the team in targets, receptions and yards, only getting stronger as the season progressed. The shoes left by the departed Keenan Allen as an always-open chain-mover fit remarkably well. Now, McConkey enters Year 2 as L.A.'s unquestioned WR1.”
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As the Chargers continue to build offensively around the Herbert-to-McConkey connection, the second-year receiver will not have the challenge of excelling as the top target. Will he rise or will he take a step back in the role?
Ladd McConkey looking to become the next big success story in L.A.
Though drafted higher than Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, McConkey had a similar rookie season as the No. 177 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Nacua was slightly better stat wise with 105 catches for 1,486 yards in his rookie campaign, but the impact of both players mirrored one another. Like Nacua, McConkey was able to establish himself as a key target and gives his offense a spark of excitement going into his second NFL season.
The biggest challenge is sustaining that excitement and becoming a stronger receiver in Year 2 with defenses more locked in on him. There is no doubt he’ll continue to build the chemistry with Hebert, but for him to become even more effective and impactful, the Chargers are going to need the running game to balance out the passing attack and they will need other playmakers to step up like third-year receiver Quentin Johnston and 2025 NFL Draft second-round pick Tre Harris.
It would also be beneficial if the Chargers get something out of the tight end position. The team has Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin as their top two tight ends with rookie Oronde Gadsden II as a playmaker who would surprise in Year 1. This supporting cast around McConkey should help his continual rise in the NFL. The quest for the second-year receiver now is to find ways to impact the game even when he is not the primary target.