The Los Angeles Chargers had an abnormally difficult time moving the ball through the air last season.
They had the vision of leaning into more of a youth movement under the leadership of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, so they let go of franchise legends Keenan Allen and Mike Williams.
Two players of their stature unsurprisingly carried the wide receiver room, so the Chargers didn’t get much production from that group this past season.
The lone member of the receiving core they could count on was second-round rookie Ladd McConkey, and heading into his second season he appears primed for an explosion.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report believes the Georgia product can improve into an All-Pro this season and here is his explanation for why, “The Chargers have bolstered their pass-catching group. They signed tight end Tyler Conklin, drafted wideout Tre Harris in the second round and brought back Mike Williams, who has a strong rapport with quarterback Justin Herbert.
Still, McConkey will likely lead the Chargers in most receiving categories in back-to-back years. With an impressive 73.2 percent catch rate, he’s earned Herbert’s trust as a reliable target, and his inside-outside versatility allows him to stay on the field for most of the offensive snaps.
Heading into Year 2, McConkey is on a Pro Bowl-All-Pro trajectory.”
Although there is expected to be more competition for targets this season, McConkey remains one of the only players on the offense who Herbert has rapport with which increases his value ten fold.
Unless he falls into a sophomore slump, the second-year receiver should be able to improve on an already impressive rookie season.