Former Georgia WR Ladd McConkey could break record in rookie season for Chargers

Ladd McConkey had a notable impact on the passing game during his college career at Georgia, and taking his next step as the No. 34 overall pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, he could do the same for his new team.

In fact, it could even be record-breaking.

Following the 2013 NFL Draft, Chargers wideout Keenan Allen led all NFL rookies with a total of 71 catches for 1,046 receiving yards. That broke the previous Chargers rookie record set by John Jefferson back in 1978 in which he recorded 1,001 receiving yards.

It's been called into question as to whether or not McConkey could rival him, barring injury, when he makes his NFL debut as a practical lock to start in an important position in Los Angeles for the upcoming season.

The versatile McConkey projects best as a productive slot receiver, a welcome addition for an area of need with the Chargers.

His raw assets that he brings to the table are enough to provide reason for optimism after he turned heads at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.39 official 40-yard dash time that tied for the sixth-best time among all receiver prospects, demanding attention on his breakaway speed.

The athleticism isn't anything to doubt either after he hit 36 inches on the vertical and 10 feet and 4 inches on the broad jump.

McConkey finished out his time in Athens with 119 receptions for 1,687 yards and 14 touchdowns. The most catches he ever had in a single season at Georgia was 58, but he could push that largely in a healthy capacity in a role in which Los Angeles could really lean into him on offense.