Ladd McConkey may be proving the Chargers got the better WR than LSU’s stars

In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers selected Ladd McConkey, who had a sensational college career while at the University of Georgia. Chargers fans were hoping to see that same production in Los Angeles during McConkey's rookie season and the former Bulldog didn't disappoint, tallying 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns.

McConkey wasn't the only great receiver to come out of the 2024 draft though. While Marvin Harrison Jr., the first wide receiver off the board, didn't live up to the lofty expectations placed on him as a rookie, Malik Nabers, the second receiver selected, did that and then some. The LSU star nabbed over 100 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. He did all of that with a less-than-stellar cast of quarterbacks throwing to him.

Nabers' college teammate, Brian Thomas Jr., also balled out as a rookie with the Jaguars. Thomas exploded onto the scene in Jacksonville with 87 catches for nearly 1,300 yards and 10 trips into the end zone. Both LSU alums played well during their rookie campaigns, but Josh Norris and Hayden Winks of Underdog Fantasy shared what could be a hot take during a recent episode on their YouTube channel.

"[McConkey is] one of the best wide receivers in the game," Norris said. "I think it's obvious to see how Nabers and Thomas are special but I'm not sure if enough people are lumping Ladd McConkey in that conversation when they really should be."

"I thought Ladd McConkey was the best of the three," Winks said.

Two experts say the Chargers didn’t just get a good WR — they got the best one

While Nabers and Thomas were obviously incredible, McConkey was too and made a huge difference in the Chargers passing attack. He gave Justin Herbert the lethal weapon he had desperately been needing and the two's chemistry was off the charts from Day 1.

It does feel like McConkey doesn't get the same level as hype as these two guys though. Maybe that's because he didn't go to the wide receiver factory that is LSU or maybe it's that he had a better quarterback situation than Nabers and Thomas did but that shouldn't be held against him.

It's good to see people recognizing how special McConkey is and if he brings that same fire to the Chargers in 2025, this offense is going to be a lot of fun to watch.