We’re about halfway through the NFL season (thank you 17th game for making that one difficult), and the Los Angeles Chargers sit at a comfortable 5-3 with their sights set on an AFC West crown. Who has seen their stock rise over the past four games compared to where they stood after the first quarter of the season?

Let’s take a look at three players who’ve really stepped it up.

Ladd McConkey

After what was honestly a disappointing start to 2025, Ladd McConkey has really picked it up in the second quarter of the season. He’s surpassed 65 receiving yards in three of the last four games, has become a much more important part of the offense, and has made crucial plays in both of the Chargers’ wins during that stretch.

Was there ever really a doubt that McConkey would figure it out? I can’t say there was. People were obviously surprised at the emergence of Quentin Johnston as the WR1 early on, but it wasn’t because McConkey suddenly forgot how to play football.

He’s come on strong lately, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him and Herbert get back on the same page. With offensive line reinforcements on the way, let’s hope that connection only gets better from here.

Oronde Gadsden II

What can I say? Chef Hortiz seems to have cooked in the fifth round once again. Oronde Gadsden II has emerged as a potential star tight end over the past four games. Has it been a small sample size? Sure. But all the tools are there for him to dominate.

He hasn’t just been producing — he’s completely changed the look of this Chargers offense when he’s on the field. As a blocker, he’s been serviceable. As a receiver, he’s been borderline otherworldly. He’s opening up space for other pass-catchers just with his presence, and he’s consistently separating from linebackers and creating YAC opportunities with his athleticism.

People had high hopes for the rookie, but no question — no one expected this kind of breakout this early. If he can continue at even 70% of this level, he’d easily enter the top five tight end conversation and completely reshape Greg Roman’s offensive approach.

Kimani Vidal

The Chargers were reportedly exploring a trade for a running back after rookie Omarion Hampton went down. Will they still do it? Maybe. But Kimani Vidal has absolutely earned the chance to be RB1 in Hampton’s absence.

This offensive line has not been great (to put it lightly), but Vidal has still found a way to produce — breaking tackles and squeezing through tight gaps, giving fans real hope that this team might be able to run the ball even without their rookie bell cow.

Is Vidal going to be a premier back in the league for years to come? Not necessarily. But he’s proving that he can hold down the fort now and be an electric change-of-pace option when Hampton returns. That one-two punch might even be more dynamic than what we originally expected from Hampton and Harris.

Vidal’s stock has absolutely risen through the second quarter of the season.

The next four games are incredibly important for Los Angeles. Let’s see if these guys keep it up — and let’s see who else can rise when we revisit this down the line.

It starts Sunday in Nashville against the Titans. Let’s see who’s ready.