The Los Angeles Chargers cleaned house since the end of 2023, and are looking to rebuild heading into this upcoming season. The losses of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in the offseason will significantly alter the look of their offense, but it will give opportunities to rookie receiver Ladd McConkey. Despite all of the losses, one thing remains constant. The presence of Justin Herbert.
Ladd McConkey earned the WR1 position as soon as he was drafted, and that is evident by the Chargers not bringing any relevant receivers in during the offseason. Justin Herbert is fully capable of carrying an offense and producing top tier fantasy football receivers, and he has been looking McConkey’s way during camp. With that being said, it is possible that there is no offensive rookie heading into 2024 with bigger opportunity to succeed more than Ladd McConkey.
Ladd McConkey’s College Career
Ladd McConkey’s 3 year period at the University at Georgia could be described as a little underwhelming, especially for a guy with such a high upside heading into the NFL. McConkey totaled 119 catches, 1687 yards, and 14 touchdowns in 39 career games for the Bulldogs. In 2023 as a junior, McConkey racked up only 29 catches, 478 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 9 appearances.
The presence of Brock Bowers certainly played a role in the lack of production by Ladd McConkey in college, and his numbers should be taken with a grain of salt. He was still able to find a spot on the field for one of the best teams in the country throughout his career, so it is obvious that McConkey has the talent to compete at the professional level. McConkey is an extremely crisp route runner who has a great feel for the game. However, he lacks the athletic ability and physical intangibles that you want to see in an alpha receiver.
Ladd McConkey 2024 Predictions
FantasyPros has predicted that Ladd McConkey will finish next season with 66 catches, 822 yards, and 4.8 touchdowns. McConkey is currently being drafted in the 8th round of dynasty drafts as the wide receiver 32. I think this is a fairly accurate line heading into his rookie season.
News from Chargers camp has shown that Herbert and McConkey have been developing a solid chemistry, and he looks like the best receiver on the field. The Athletic reported that McConkey is tied with the team lead of 10 receptions in camp with a total of two touchdowns.
If it is true that McConkey has been impressive in camp and taking WR1 reps, then he is totally worth a chance in the 8th round of dynasty drafts in 2024.
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Ladd McConkey #15 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs after the catch during an NFL football practice at Hoag Performance Center on June 13, 2024 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images)
Final Thoughts
McConkey’s main competition in 2024 comes from the likes of Quentin Johnson, Joshua Palmer, and DJ Chark who are all average, to below average wideouts. This will give McConkey plenty of opportunities to secure the WR1 spot in 2024. However, head coach Jim Harbough and OC Greg Roman have preferred a run first style ever since their days together in San Francisco, which may affect Ladd McConkey’s production.
I would still take the chance on McConkey in dynasty leagues as a late round flier. He has the traits to blossom into a poor man’s Cooper Kupp, and as long as he is paired with Justin Herbert, the sky’s the limit.
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