Ladd McConkey

McConkey is entering his second NFL season following an impressive rookie campaign in which he ranked in the top 20 among receivers in receptions, yards, TDs, catch rate, yards per target and yards per route run. Following a bit of an inconsistent start, McConkey heated up down the stretch and ended up 12th in fantasy points (18th in PPG). Including the playoffs, the 2024 second-round pick caught five or more passes in eight straight games to end the season. The 23-year-old has already emerged as Justin Herbert's top target and his short-to-intermediate role puts a 100-plus catch season in play in 2025. The arrival of Tre Harris and Keenan Allen could damper McConkey's upside a bit, but he's still a safe WR2 target.

McConkey averaged 20.7 PPR points per game over his final eight games of the season, including his nine-catch, 197-yard and one-touchdown performance in the playoffs.
Most receivers who primarily play in the slot tend to be strong against zone defense, and not as great against man. His 2.98 yards per route run against man defenses was the second-most among the 57 receivers with at least 115 routes against man.
The Chargers' offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, has the fewest or second-fewest targets to wide receivers in each of his last three stints as an offensive coordinator. The Chargers will likely be a more run-heavy team after adding Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris, which will cut into McConkey’s routes per game.