Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey’s rookie campaign was filled with highlights and very little lowlights. The 23-year-old 2024 second-round draft pick from the University of Georgia proved to be a star in the making in his rookie season. McConkey went as far as emerging as arguably the franchise’s most consistent player on offense, as proven most recently by his dominant playoff performance against the Houston Texans.

McConkey finished his rookie year catching 91 receptions for 1,346 receiving yards and eight touchdowns (includes playoffs). He ranked 10th in receiving yards in the regular season and had a near 200-yard receiving game in the Wild Card matchup where he caught 9 receptions for 197 yards and an 86-yard touchdown reception. His strong hands paired with his elite route running abilities have instantly made him a consistent athlete on the team’s inconsistent offense.

Even though there were a handful of receivers drafted prior to him being selected with pick number 34, his production in 2024 gives the Chargers a strong foundation to look forward to and build upon this year.

There is even an argument to be made that he is the only offensive weapon on the team that will be there for years to come, other than franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. Wide receiver Quentin Johnson, who was drafted with a first-round pick the year prior, has been the team’s most inconsistent athlete on offense. In the playoff game, Johnson caught zero catches but was targeted five times. There were critical drops, a staple of his game that has plagued him so far in his young career.

With Johnson’s inconsistency and an injury-prone core of running backs, McConkey emerges as the favorite to produce year in and year out if he stays healthy. Herbert and McConkey’s connection has only improved and fans should be ecstatic to have some consistency with the offense as the team heads into the offseason.

Drafting a wide receiver and a few more offensive athletes is a must. General manager Joe Hortiz and head coach Jim Harbaugh must help Herbert if they want him to excel moving forward, and this is the blueprint that will accomplish that task.