In today’s NFL, wide receivers are often judged by the holy trinity of size, speed, and strength—and for good reason. Some of the league’s standout performers, like Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and A.J. Brown, fit that mold perfectly.
However, the Chargers went against the grain when they selected Ladd McConkey early in the second round of last year’s draft. Standing at 5’11 and weighing 186 pounds, McConkey isn’t exactly tipping the scales for that coveted height-weight-speed combo. Nevertheless, the Chargers recognized what McConkey could do: get open.
And get open he did, ranking third among rookies in both receiving yards and touchdowns in 2024. That production has earned him serious recognition, including a surprisingly high spot in PFF’s recent wide receiver rankings. Their article listed the top 32 wide receivers in the NFL heading into the 2025 season, placing McConkey at 22.
Ladd McConkey
Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) hangs on the the ball for a touchdown as he is defended by New Orleans Saints safety Ugo Amadi (0) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
This ranking positions McConkey ahead of names like D.K. Metcalf, Deebo Samuel, and fellow rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., who was drafted 30 picks earlier than McConkey. It affirms the beliefs of many Chargers fans who were championing McConkey early in his rookie season, before the national media cast a well-deserved spotlight on the young receiver.
The irony of the ranking lies in who McConkey is positioned just ahead of: D.K. Metcalf. Metcalf and McConkey represent opposite ends of the spectrum regarding wide receiver archetypes, with Metcalf being the 6’4", 225-pound athletic marvel with electrifying deep speed, while McConkey is the smaller, more agile player trusted to get open and make a couple of guys miss after the catch.
Metcalf represents the prototypical body type that many envision when thinking of all-time NFL receivers, resembling players like Terrell Owens and Julio Jones. McConkey certainly lacks that body type or athletic profile, but it clearly isn't hindering his success.
To clarify, McConkey isn’t some slouch when it comes to his athletic ability. He posted a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.34 out of 10, ranking 225th among over 3,400 wide receivers since 1987. That places him firmly in the elite tier from a testing standpoint. However, when compared to some of the athletic talents in the league, McConkey’s athleticism doesn’t stand out as much at first glance.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t have to. McConkey pairs his athletic gifts with an exceptional ability to create separation, getting low and accelerating out of breaks in ways many corners can’t match. Below is a compilation of McConkey’s impressive routes from his rookie year, showcasing his ability to play on time and be where he’s supposed to be when he needs to be there.
McConkey’s connection with Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert became electrifying as his rookie season progressed, averaging six catches and 94 receiving yards per game over the final seven weeks of the year. This uptick in production shows that the trust between McConkey and his all-world quarterback had begun to flourish.
McConkey’s rise serves as a reminder that the wide receiver position isn’t one-size-fits-all. In a league fixated on specific traits, the most dangerous player is often the one who knows how to create separation and get the job done. Chargers fans believed in McConkey from the start. Now the rest of the NFL is catching up.