Ladd McConkey has been one of the best rookies this season, and Derwin James believes he should be recognized as it.
“That’s the Rookie of the Year,” James said about McConkey on a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s Up & Adams.
McConkey, the second-round pick, has established himself as Justin Herbert’s go-to target and a centerpiece in the offense. He paces the Chargers in catches (58), targets (81) and receiving yards (815).
McConkey has the second-most receiving yards among rookies, trailing his former college teammate and Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.
“Ladd’s a great pro,” James added. “Every day, he shows up to work. He’s got his priorities in line off the field. And I feel like every day, he wants to be great and give it all to the team. Love Ladd so much.”
McConkey recorded 105 receiving yards before halftime in the win over the Falcons, which set a record for the most receiving yards in the first half of a game by a Chargers rookie.
McConkey is on pace to shatter another franchise record, as he currently sits third on the single-season rookie list with 815 yards. Keenan Allen holds the Chargers single-season rookie receiving record at 1,046 yards.
McConkey is currently tied with Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving for the fifth-best odds for the award, trailing Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (-250), Broncos QB Box Nix (+200), Bowers (+1200) and Bears QB Caleb Williams (+6600).