Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers

For rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Chargers was a journey of growth, adaptation, and unexpected opportunity. Selected in the third round of the NFL Draft (No. 78 overall) out of the University of Georgia, McConkey entered the league with a reputation as a versatile playmaker—known for his speed, route-running precision, and ability to excel in both slot and outside roles. What followed was a rookie campaign that exceeded many expectations: from earning a spot in the starting lineup by midseason to delivering clutch performances when the Chargers needed it most, McConkey emerged as a key piece of the team’s offensive future. Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers explores his path from draft day to impact player, the challenges he overcame, and why his first NFL season has Chargers fans excited about what’s next.

Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his draft selection and preseason preparation—a period that laid the groundwork for his regular-season success. When the Chargers picked McConkey, they targeted him to address a need for depth at wide receiver, particularly after losing veteran Mike Williams to free agency. McConkey arrived at rookie minicamp in May ready to learn, spending extra time with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to study the Chargers’ pass-heavy scheme and build chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. By training camp, he was turning heads: in a July practice, he made a one-handed catch over cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. that went viral on the team’s social media, earning praise from Herbert for his “football IQ and competitiveness.” Preseason games further showcased his potential: in three appearances, he caught 8 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown, including a 35-yard deep ball against the Los Angeles Rams that demonstrated his ability to stretch the field. “Ladd came in with a chip on his shoulder,” said Chargers wide receivers coach Chris Beatty. “He didn’t just want to make the roster—he wanted to contribute. That work ethic set him apart from day one.”

A defining phase of McConkey’s rookie year was his slow start to the regular season and subsequent breakthrough—a arc that tested his resilience and highlighted his ability to adapt. Through the first four games, McConkey played primarily on special teams and saw limited offensive snaps, catching just 2 passes for 18 yards. He struggled with the speed of the NFL game, dropping a potential touchdown pass in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings and misreading a route in Week 4 that led to an interception. Instead of letting the early struggles discourage him, McConkey doubled down on film study and practice reps, working with Beatty to refine his route timing and hands. The breakthrough came in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears: with starting slot receiver Joshua Palmer sidelined by a knee injury, McConkey stepped into the role and caught 5 passes for 72 yards, including a 22-yard third-down catch that kept a crucial scoring drive alive. “That game was a turning point for Ladd,” Beatty said. “He stopped overthinking and started playing like the receiver we saw in college. Once he got that confidence, there was no looking back.”

A key aspect of Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers is his role expansion after Herbert’s injury—a challenge that turned into an opportunity to showcase his versatility for the Los Angeles Chargers. When Herbert was ruled out for the season in Week 15 with a shoulder injury, the Chargers turned to backup Easton Stick, who relied heavily on trusted targets to ease his transition. McConkey, by then a consistent contributor, became one of Stick’s go-to receivers, using his familiarity with the offense to help Stick adjust to game action. In Week 16 against the Denver Broncos, McConkey caught 6 passes for 89 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass from Stick that tied the game in the third quarter. For the Los Angeles Chargers, McConkey’s reliability during this period was invaluable: he didn’t drop a single pass in the final three games and emerged as a leader in the receiver room, helping younger players like rookie Tank Dell stay focused. “Ladd stepped up when we needed him most,” said Stick. “He knows this offense inside out, and he made my job easier by running crisp routes and being where he was supposed to be. That’s the sign of a mature player, even as a rookie.”

Another highlight of McConkey’s rookie year was his impact on special teams—a often-overlooked aspect of his contribution that helped the Los Angeles Chargers maintain competitiveness in close games. Beyond his offensive role, McConkey served as a gunner on punt coverage and a return specialist on kickoffs, using his speed to track down punts and create field position. In Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, he made a crucial tackle on punt returner Andre Baccellia at the Cardinals’ 12-yard line, setting up a Chargers touchdown two plays later. For the Los Angeles Chargers, McConkey’s willingness to contribute on special teams spoke to his team-first mindset—a trait that endeared him to coaches and teammates alike. “Special teams is where a lot of rookies prove their worth, and Ladd did that every week,” said special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. “He didn’t complain about the reps; he embraced them. That kind of attitude makes a difference in wins and losses, especially in a tight season like this one.” McConkey finished the season with 12 special teams tackles, the most among Chargers wide receivers.

Wrapping up Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers is the legacy of his first NFL season—and what it means for his future with the Los Angeles Chargers. McConkey finished the year with 45 catches for 582 yards and 4 touchdowns, impressive numbers for a third-round rookie, and earned a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team. Beyond the stats, he proved he could handle adversity, adapt to changing roles, and contribute to the team’s success in multiple phases of the game. For the Los Angeles Chargers, McConkey’s rookie year is a sign of things to come: with Herbert set to return in 2025 and McConkey expected to take on a larger role in the offense, he has the potential to become one of the league’s top young receivers. “Ladd’s rookie year was just the beginning,” said Chargers general manager Tom Telesco. “He has all the tools to be a star in this league—speed, talent, work ethic—and he’s already shown he can perform when it matters. We’re excited to watch him grow with this team.” For McConkey, the season was a dream come true, but he’s already looking ahead. “I learned a lot this year, and I know there’s more to prove,” he said. “I’m ready to work this offseason and come back better for the Chargers and our fans.” Ladd McConkey's Rookie Year with the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that with hard work, resilience, and a team-first mindset, rookies can not only make it in the NFL—they can become foundational pieces for their franchise.