Justin Herbert raves about Chargers rookie WR

The Chargers parted ways with veteran wide receivers Keenan Allen (Bears) and Mike Williams (Jets) this offseason.

That forced Los Angeles into a rebuild of its wide receiver room, which saw the addition of DJ Chark in free agency as well as Ladd McConkey and Brenden Rice in the 2024 NFL Draft. The team also has returning playmakers in Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston.

Who will establish themselves as the No. 1 wide receiver remains up for debate, but McConkey has impressed quarterback Justin Herbert so far.

"He's just picked up the offense so easily. It's like he's been a four- or five-year vet," Herbert said, via Kris Rhim of ESPN. "He understands the game."

McConkey will have to earn every snap during training camp, but he has set himself up to compete for a significant role after developing an early relationship with Herbert.

The No. 34 overall pick didn't put up crazy numbers during his collegiate career at Georgia. Over the past three years, McConkey registered 119 catches for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns during the span.

However, McConkey always answered when called upon and played a large role in helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022.

McConkey has also done one thing very well throughout his football career: get open. According to Rhim, that hasn't changed.

"Second-round rookie receiver Ladd McConkey has been perhaps the team's best route runner in the offseason program," Rhim writes. "His quickness and preciseness in routes is what made the Chargers trade up to get him in the second round."

McConkey must continue to prove he can be relied upon when the pads come on in training camp, but early reports are promising.