The Los Angeles Chargers may have found a hidden gem in undrafted rookie Luke Grimm, and head coach Jim Harbaugh has already mapped out his path to relevance: study Ladd McConkey.
Speaking during practice on Saturday, Harbaugh challenged the Kansas product to model his game after McConkey, the Chargers’ 2024 draft’s second-round pick and one of the most polished route runners.
“Usually, I tell guys, just do you,” Harbaugh said. “But like, Ladd McConkey is a great guy for you to watch. Emulate, and copy, and go make him proud of you.”
never change, coach pic.twitter.com/nmFu21otXc
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) July 19, 2025
Back in May, Grimm was one of only three undrafted free agents the Chargers coach mentioned by name, alongside running back Raheim Sanders and tight end Stevo Klotz.
Grimm was a three-star prospect coming out of high school. Over five seasons at Kansas, he appeared in 53 games, recording 177 catches for 2,472 yards and 24 touchdowns.
According to Pro Football Focus, Grimm excels in short-area routes.
“Grimm secured 25 of 29 short-field targets for 220 yards and a touchdown in his fifth year at Kansas,” PFF shared in February. “He gained 15 first downs, forced five missed tackles and recorded three explosive gains. He generated a 109.8 passer target rating this past season (career best) and garnered a career 78.2 PFF receiving grade on those throws.”
Mike Williams’ sudden retirement has immediately reshaped the Chargers’ wide receiver room and could directly impact Luke Grimm’s chances of making the 53-man roster.
Williams’ departure may be the break he needs to earn meaningful reps and prove himself as a reliable option, especially if he can demonstrate the technical mastery Jim Harbaugh sees in Ladd McConkey’s game.
