Ladd McConkey

Ladd McConkey emerged in his third season at Georgia as a redshirt sophomore, achieving 762 receiving yards and seven touchdowns with a 20% dominator rating, despite a late breakout at 21 years old. Competing for targets with Brock Bowers, one of college football's top tight ends, and ahead of 2024 second-round pick AD Mitchell on the depth chart, McConkey demonstrated his capability, especially in the two games without Bowers in 2023, posting his highest yardage totals. Although injuries impacted his final year's stats, he remained efficient, ranking 8th nationally in yards per route run (3.26). Known for his quickness and polished route-running rather than size, McConkey's agility and speed, highlighted by a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the combine, make him a promising professional prospect. Drafted by the Chargers who traded up in Round 2, he enters a team with a weak WR corps, positioning him to potentially lead in targets.

McConkey is a solid underneath option but lacks the extra gear to take the top off a defense. Corners, even when beat off the line, can close on him downfield. He likely ends up as a 50/50 receiver, with half of his snaps coming as a slot receiver in the NFL. His route running prowess allows him to get open in the short and intermediate as he is sudden in movements and crisp at the top of his stem. He plays through contact well in his routes with a good swipe and upper body strength to work through press coverage. McConkey runs like a running back in traffic. Good vision in chaos with the shiftiness to break some tackles and provide YAC. He offers some run game utility with 13 collegiate carries for 216 rushing yards (16.6 ypc) and four scores. Dynasty Outlook: Everyone has had a good chuckle regarding the Chargers offensive game plan for 2024. "Between Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh...the Bolts will run the ball 500 times. Prepare for the Chargers to chuck it 10 times a game." Yes, I'm embellishing here a bit, but it's ok. This is a safe space. I, too, have cracked a few jokes at "Run Game Roman's" expense. Despite all the humor directed at the run game, the Bolts went out and drafted a wide receiver in the second round. A polished route runner and one of the best separators in this class. McConkey only has to compete with Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Hayden Hurst, and Will Dissly for targets. He could ascend to the top of the target pecking order in short order. Again, it's fair to question the volume expectations for McConkey, but he could easily lead the team in targets in year one. McConkey is in a long tier of wide receivers that drew late first-round/early second-round NFL draft capital. The conversation for McConkey begins at the 1.05/1.06 in 1QB leagues and the 1.09/1.10 in Superflex.