The Los Angeles Chargers selected wide receiver Ladd McConkey with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers have revamped their wide receiver corps this offseason after trading veteran Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears and allowing MIke Williams to walk in free agency -- where he signed with the New York Jets. Some speculated they might go wide receiver in Round 1, but despite opting to improve the offensive line instead, Chargers fans didn't have to wait long to learn who their new wide receiver was in Round 2. Here's what you need to know about his Fantasy stock in both season-long and Dynasty formats.
McConkey's Fantasy fit with the Chargers
McConkey isn't a big receiver, but he's fast and exceptionally gifted as a route-runner. He frequently showed off polished agility and footwork to get open over and over again in college and at the Senior Bowl. He also has enough speed to run away from defenders, both as a deep target but also on short throws where he gets into open space. Usually, Jim Harbaugh prefers physical players, but clearly he made an exception for a guy who should lead the Bolts in targets in 2024. More valuable in PPR than half- or non-PPR, McConkey will be one of the first few rookie receivers taken in 2024 drafts -- well after Marvin Harrison, but maybe not too long after Malik Nabers, and potentially ahead of Rome Odunze. If the Chargers add another piece to their receiving corps then McConkey's outlook would dim a little bit. He's in the Round 6-7 range in PPR, a full round later if not two rounds later in the non-reception formats.
Dynasty Outlook
McConkey will be a popular second-tier receiver option in Dynasty leagues since wideouts like him tend to stick around the league. As long as he's able to keep getting open, chances are he'll see targets. It also doesn't hurt that Justin Herbert will be his quarterback for the foreseeable future. One concern: The Chargers might eventually add a bigger, better receiver that could drive down McConkey's ceiling from a 110-target guy to a 90-target guy. That would sting. Then again, if McConkey takes advantage of his rookie season then he could wind up being a consistent stud in Fantasy. In Dynasty leagues he'll get taken among the first seven receivers, which is probably enough to say he's a top-10 pick in one-QB formats (ahead of Keon Coleman, for example) and perhaps a late-first or early-second choice in SuperFlex/two-QB versions.
Ladd McConkey: What to know
Andrew Ladd McConkey was raised in Chatsworth, Ga., a two-and-a-half hour drive from the University of Georgia. He grew up a fan of the Tennessee Volunteers, a school that was actually closer to his home (two hours). Born with athletic gifts, McConkey played basketball and football, starring at both for North Murray High School. He was scrawny, but coaches loved his tenacity and willingness to play any position. As such, he played quarterback, running back, defensive back and punter and helped lead the school to its first region championship in 2019.
He didn't get much attention as a prospect until some film of his got passed around to bigger schools. Once Georgia coach Kirby Smart saw him he made a visit to his home and watched him play basketball. Even with the Tennessee Volunteers chiming in with an offer of their own, McConkey made the commitment to Georgia as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports.
McConkey redshirted his first year at Georgia, then made a minimal impact in his second season (five touchdowns on 28 catches). By 2022 he earned himself a regular role in the Bulldogs offense and tied Brock Bowers for the team lead in receiving touchdowns with seven. Injuries limited the tail end of his 2022 season and a chunk of the 2023 season, which is why he had just one collegiate career with more than 500 yards receiving.
Age as of Week 1: 22 | Height: 5-foot-11 5/8 | Weight: 186 | Hand: 8 5/8 | Arm: 30 1/4 | Wing: 72 | 40: 4.39 seconds
Comparable body-type to: Jordan Addison
We're breaking down everything you need to know about McConkey from a Fantasy manager perspective, including a scouting report, key stats and an NFL comparison.
Scouting report
Strengths
- Excellent burst off the snap and into his route.
- One of the most polished and precise route-runners in the class. Routinely ditched coverage out of his breaks.
- Underrated speed both in his downfield routes and after the catch.
Concerns
- Stubby with short arms and small hands. Lean and unlikely to put on much more weight.
- Struggled with physicality.
- Has a history of injuries including knee tendinitis and turf toe in 2022 (he played through both), and right ankle and back injuries that cost him time in 2023.
Stats breakdown
| | G | Tar | Rec | ReYds | Avg | Total TD |
| 2023 | 9 | 37 | 30 | 478 | 15.9 | 2 |
| 2023 v Top-25 | 6 | 20 | 16 | 247 | 15.4 | 1 |
| Career | 39 | 158 | 119 | 1687 | 14.2 | 14 |
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NFL Comparison
Diontae Johnson is still considered one of the league's better route runners. He's nimble with speed, but he's not the biggest guy. McConkey might have a hard time enjoying the same career trajectory as Johnson, but they're the same stylistically.
