Former Georgia Bulldogs WR Ladd McConkey projected to start for Chargers in 2024

Former Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey is projected to start for the Los Angeles Chargers in the slot this season as a rookie. 

While it has not yet been confirmed, The Atheltic's Daniel Popper believes McConkey makes the most sense as WR3 heading into NFL training camp. 

"The wide receivers depth chart will start to come into clearer focus during training camp," Popper writes. "To start, I think the three receivers in 11 personnel packages will be Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey and DJ Chark. Those three have a logical synergy in terms of skills. McConkey was mostly playing in the slot during the spring. Palmer can play inside and outside. Chark fits as a true X, with his size, speed and contested-catch ability."

Popper even goes as far as to say that McConkey could emerge as a top target for Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. 

"Who emerges as Justin Herbert’s top target? Palmer already has the established rapport with Herbert and is the most complete receiver in the Chargers’ group," Popper writes. "But McConkey will certainly be pushing for targets. He is already so refined as a route runner. He has a beyond-his-years understanding of leverages and how to attack defenders. In these ways, he is a perfect fit for Herbert."

The Chargers officially report to training camp on July 23 where we'll get a good look at McConkey and Herbert's early chemistry. 

LA Traded Up to Snag McConkey in the 2024 NFL Draft 

The Chargers traded up four spots with the New England Patriots in the second round to select McConkey with the 34th overall pick. 

McConkey was projected to go in the first round but slid down due to a back issue, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. 

The Chatsworth, Georgia native makes the jump to the NFL after logging 26 catches for 418 yards and a touchdown in 2023. However, his best year came during Georgia's 2022 national championship run when he achieved 58 catches for 762 yards with seven touchdowns. He also added 134 yards and two more scores on the ground. 

In total, McConkey reeled in 119 receptions for 1,687 receiving yards with 14 touchdowns through 29 games with the Bulldogs all while often being overshadowed by Brock Bowers. 

Now on opposing NFL teams, we'll see the two former Dawgs face each other in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season when the Chargers take on the Las Vegas Raiders.