Tag: Ladd McConkey Chargers

Ladd McConkey breakout performance fuels Chargers to victory over Saints: ‘It’s what we’ve been needing’

Justin Herbert’s top wide receiver has finally arrived.

The connection between Justin Herbert and Ladd McConkey had been building for the past couple of months, but it was only a matter of time before their true potential was unlocked.

That came on Sunday in the Chargers’ win over the Saints. McConkey finished the game with 111 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions.

McConkey is the first Chargers rookie to record a 100-yard receiving game since Keenan Allen did it in the 2013 season.

McConkey’s big day included a massive 60-yard score as he leaped, caught the jump ball and scampered inside into the end zone. The explosive scoring play is the element the wide receiver room has been missing this season.

“It’s what we needed,” Jim Harbaugh said of McConkey’s touchdown. “It’s what we’ve been needing.”

Before this game, McConkey was primarily an asset in the short and intermediate parts of the field, especially on third downs.

“He’s a complete receiver,” Herbert said. “To have that short game, those intermediate routes, he’s been so good at it, especially on third down. And now you open up some of those go balls that you got to respect. And for him to be able to line up anywhere, inside, outside, we got a true ballplayer on our hands.”

There had been talks about the Chargers potentially a wideout before the trade deadline. However, McConkey’s performance likely dispelled that narrative, showing the makeup of a true No. 1 option.

Twitter reacts to Chargers’ selection of Ladd McConkey

Here is a snapshot of how the general population reacted when Ladd McConkey was announced as the newest member of the Chargers.

The Chargers finally addressed the wide receiver position with the pick of Ladd McConkey in the second round.

McConkey should quickly become Justin Herbert’s best friend. He is a sure-fire separator with silky smooth route-running skills and great speed.

Here is a snapshot of how the general population reacted when McConkey was announced as the newest member of the Bolts:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2024 NFL draft: Watch highlights of new Chargers WR Ladd McConkey

Get familiar with the newest member of the Chargers, Ladd McConkey.

The Chargers improved the wide receiver room with the selection of Ladd McConkey at No. 34 overall.

There were questions about when Los Angeles would address the position after taking Joe Alt in the first round. They answered them by moving up three spots to get McConkey, arguably the best route runner in this class.

To get familiar with the newest member of the Bolts, here are some highlights of McConkey:

 

Instant analysis of Chargers selecting WR Ladd McConkey

Analyzing the Chargers’ selection of Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

This is why you read mock drafts.

In both mock drafts I did on Chargers Wire, including the final mock posted on Thursday morning, I projected that Los Angeles would select Ladd McConkey at No. 37.

And now, with a small trade up to get him, McConkey is a Charger at the 34th overall pick.

The upside here is that McConkey will be a more direct replacement for the traded Keenan Allen as an underneath player who wins with route-running savvy. We know Justin Herbert likes those kinds of players: all Allen did last season was set the franchise record for receptions in a single season.

McConkey is not a slot-exclusive receiver, however. Over 70% of his snaps came on the outside at Georgia despite his slight 5-foot-11 and 186-pound frame. But his release package and creative run-after-catch ability add an element the Chargers offense does not have after trading Allen and releasing Mike Williams this offseason.

So, the Chargers got a wide receiver after all. It was just a day later than some fans may have hoped.

Chargers trade up, pick WR Ladd McConkey with No. 34 overall selection

The Chargers addressed a major need with Ladd McConkey.

The Chargers traded up three spots with the Patriots and selected former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick.

At 6-foot and 186 pounds, McConkey is a high-quality wideout with great speed, route-running skills and solid hands.

McConkey finished his college career with 119 catches, 1,687 receiving yards and 14 receiving touchdowns. He was also useful as a runner, as he ran for 216 yards and four scores.

Touted as a first-round pick entering the event, McConkey fell out of it due to concerns with a back ailment. He dealt with back and ankle injuries this past season.

Los Angeles had a need at the wide receiver position after the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. McConkey should contribute right off the bat as long as he stays healthy.