Everyone loves to see unheralded players from smaller schools step into the NFL limelight and surprise teams with their tremendous skills.
However, there’s much to be said for drafting players from large and very successful college programs who have been through the wars and played with so much at stake.
Enter former Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who went from starring on two national championship teams in Athens to being a high second-round draft choice with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The team has apparent needs at the wideout position, and quarterback Justin Herbert gushed about the potential already displayed by McConkey.
Herbert told Kris Rhim of ESPN that McConkey “picked up the offense so easily,” and the quarterback raved about the rookie looking like “a four or five-year vet.”
Justin Herbert: Chargers rookie WR Ladd McConkey “picked up the offense so easily”https://t.co/dIQN7C6l9D pic.twitter.com/KvtEYPttXH
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 5, 2024
With new head coach Jim Harbaugh at the helm along with new offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Chargers are expected to be a run-first offense.
However, the team waved goodbye in the offseason to a pair of accomplished veteran wide receivers, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, meaning there is a substantial hole to fill.
And McConkey may be the answer.
Draft experts noted his route-running skills and ability to pile on yards after the catch, and some believe he is primed to be Los Angeles’ go-to receiver very early in his NFL career.
This would be good news for Harbaugh and Herbert, who are eager to put last season’s five-win doldrums in the rearview mirror and bring winning back to the Chargers organization.
The post Justin Herbert Raves About Rookie Wide Receiver appeared first on The Cold Wire.