There's a very real chance McConkey, the Chargers' second-round pick out of Georgia, will lead the team in receptions and receiving yards this season. That's why he's arguably the first Chargers player you should draft in one-QB leagues -- even ahead of Justin Herbert. McConkey was great in college because he was in sync with his quarterback, and through offseason workouts it appears he's already connecting with Herbert. That'll help McConkey replace Keenan Allen as the Chargers' slot receiver, a role that could open up for as many as seven targets per game (Allen saw 8.5 or more targets per game in each of his last seven seasons but it was in a different system). And while McConkey is slight (5-foot-8 and 186 pounds), he is a route-running maestro who will get open frequently. His upside is greater in PPR since his volume figures to be high, which is why Round 7 is a decent time to take him; wait another round in redraft non-PPR leagues. As for rookie-only drafts, expect McConkey to get grabbed anywhere from sixth to 10th overall depending on format and scoring.
McConkey caught five of his seven targets for 39 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 22-10 win over the Raiders.
It's worth noting McConkey's touchdown came in the waning moments of the game as the weary Raiders defense sold out to stop the run, allowing the rookie to get wide open on a short crossing route. He easily juked two defenders en route to the end zone. Regardless of how it happened, it's hard to call Sunday's effort anything but a resounding debut considering he led the team in receiving yards and targets despite most coming near the line of scrimmage. The run-centric offensive attack likely won't change in Week 2 when the Chargers travel to take on a Panthers defense that allowed 47 points Sunday.
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Chargers' Ladd McConkey: Records first catch of preseason
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McConkey caught his only target for five yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Rams.
McConkey made his debut for the Chargers against the team's cross-town rivals after sitting out last week's exhibition. The 34th selection in this year's draft didn't get a ton of burn with the rest of the starters Saturday, but he registered the first preseason catch of his career from the arm of backup quarterback Easton Stick. McConkey's fantasy upside in 2024 is tied to the rookie's ability to earn, maintain and flourish as one of starting quarterback Justin Herbert's top targets.
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Chargers' Ladd McConkey: Expected to play Saturday
Rotowire
After not playing in the Chargers' preseason opener, McConkey (undisclosed) is expected to play in Saturday's exhibition against the Cowboys, Gavino Borquez of USA Today reports.
McConkey dressed but didn't play last week, but that's expected to change this weekend after the rookie returned to full practice this week. He's expected to handle a starting role for the Chargers in 2024, but Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark and Quentin Johnston are also in the mix for snaps.
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Chargers' Ladd McConkey: Dresses, doesn't play Saturday
Rotowire
McConkey (undisclosed) dressed for Saturday's 16-3 preseason loss to the Seahawks but did not play any snaps, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
McConkey has been dealing with an undisclosed lower-body injury at training camp, and though he suited up for action Saturday, the rookie second-round pick was ultimately kept off the field. Though McConkey was in uniform to warm up Saturday, he changed to street clothes before kickoff. McConkey's next chance to take the field and handle exhibition reps will come Saturday at home against the Rams, but it remains to be seen whether the 34th overall pick will be fully cleared by then.
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Chargers' Ladd McConkey: Los Angeles picks up in Round 2
Rotowire
The Chargers selected McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 34th overall.
McConkey (6-foot, 186 pounds) is a lighter receiver, but the former Georgia standout can threaten defenses from both the slot and the boundary. While the downfield game isn't his primary strength, a 4.39-second 40 at the combine almost by default makes him the Chargers' best deep target. There's also a good chance McConkey is the Chargers' best option for short and intermediate passes -- the main strength of his game in college. While Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston have seniority and size working in their favor, McConkey is the quickest and most skilled of the trio, combining crisp routes with strong work after the catch. McConkey took a clear back seat to TE Brock Bowers in Georgia's target distribution the past three years -- never recording more than 762 receiving yards in a season -- but there's no similar such presence in L.A. now that Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are elsewhere.
