In recent years the NFL fanbase has been a bit spoiled by stellar performances from rookie players who come in and make immediate impacts that help lift their teams way up in the standings. From Puka Nacua to CJ Stroud, expectations couldn’t be higher for an incoming rookie class than they are right now. What people may be taking for granted is just how tough it is for most players to walk in and adapt to the speed and playbook of the NFL game.
Apparently, Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey could be one that adapts as fast as anyone, according to his new quarterback Justin Herbert.
Justin Herbert: Chargers rookie WR Ladd McConkey "picked up the offense so easily"https://t.co/UvKcMwxTVF pic.twitter.com/wTDTUQRBkF
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 3, 2024
“He’s just picked up the offense so easily,” Herbert said, via ESPN. “It’s like he’s been a four- or five-year vet. He understands the game.”
This is unsurprising if you followed McConkey during his time at Georgia where he was always a crafty and intelligent player that took full advantage of the defense in front of him and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time for a big play. His physical skill already translated well at the next level, and if his mental game transfers all the same, he could be one of those rookie difference makers we have seen as of late.
