Chargers Breakout WR Ladd McConkey Hits New Milestone in NFL Top 100

Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey far exceeded expectations last season, especially for a 6’0″, 185-pound receiver. After a relatively slow start, McConkey sat at 24 catches for 265 yards and 2 touchdowns after Week 6.

But, the Chargers rookie exploded onto the scene in their Week 7 victory over the Saints. He hauled in 6 catches for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, including an excellent catch-and-run for a 60-yard touchdown, showcasing his ball skills and ability to explode after the catch.

McConkey continued to improve throughout the season, ultimately finishing at No. 20 in receptions and No. 10 in receiving yards in the league, not just among rookies. He also hauled in 7 touchdowns, trailing only Jaguars breakout Brian Thomas (10 touchdowns) among rookies.

This morning, the NFL started their countdown of the Top 100 players of 2025, as voted on by the players. Chargers breakout star Ladd McConkey kicked things off at No. 100.


Ladd McConkey Earns No. 100 Spot on 2025 List

With solid hands, quick feet and an ability to create space, McConkey developed a special connection with quarterback Justin Herbert. That special connection led to the Chargers receiver setting new franchise rookie records for receptions (82) and receiving yards (1,149). He broke Keenan Allen‘s rookie records of 71 receptions and 1,046 receiving yards set in 2013.

“One year in the league, one appearance on the Top 100 list,” writes NFL Digital Content Producer Bobby Kownack. “McConkey was everything the Chargers could hope for and more as a rookie.”

Ladd McConkey finished the season as strong as any rookie since 1970, according to Kownack. And that was before he exploded during the Chargers playoff game.

“McConkey had 50-plus receiving yards in each of his final 10 games of 2024,” writes Kownack. “That is tied with Malik Nabers for the longest streak by any rookie since 1970.”

It’s no coincidence that McConkey’s numbers exploded as the Chargers turned their season around. During the Chargers’ final 11 games, Ladd McConkey led the team in receiving 8 times.

LA went 7-1 in those games, including their Week 17 rout of the Patriots to clinch a playoff berth. Ladd McConkey broke Keenan Allen’s rookie receiving records during their 40-7 victory, then added another 5 catches and 95 yards in their win over the Raiders to cap off an excellent rookie season.


McConkey Finished Strong, Despite Chargers Blowout Playoff Loss

There were few bright spots during the Chargers’ 32-12 Wild Card loss to the Texans to end last season. But, Ladd McConkey shined as bright as any rookie receiver in playoff history.

McConkey played a solid first half, hauling in 4 catches for 56 yards. But, once again, the Chargers rookie exploded in the second half.

After just 1 catch for 16 yards in the third quarter, Ladd McConkey started the 4th quarter strong with back-to-back catches for 10 yards and 19 yards, respectively. But, Justin Herbert’s third interception of the day ended that drive in Texans territory.

But, McConkey more than made up for it the next drive. After the Texans sacked Herbert twice to start their next drive, the Chargers faced a 3rd and 26 at their own 14-yard-line.

Justin Herbert threw a 24-yard strike over the middle and McConkey rose up to make the grab over a defender, then took it the rest of the way, leaving Texans defenders in the dust en route to an 86-yard touchdown.

Unfortunately, the Chargers’ excitement was short-lived, as the Texans blocked the extra point and took it back for the rare defensive two-point conversion.

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