After finishing as the WR12 in his rookie season, Ladd McConkey has stolen the hearts of the fantasy football community at large. Despite his inspiring rookie campaign, fantasy managers should be wary of the receiver in year two.
Although the former bulldog had a phenomenal rookie season, the situation he finds himself in has changed widely in the offseason. Last year, his only competition in the receiving room was former first-rounder Quentin Johnson. Although he continued to struggle in the Chargers’ offense, the receiver saw a sharp uptick in targets, yards, and touchdowns despite playing fewer games the season before. It’s clear that Johnson isn’t a threat to sweat over when considering drafting McConkey this season, but the newly added weapons should be.
The Los Angeles Chargers went out of their way to focus on offense in the offseason. Selecting running back Omarion Hampton with their first-round pick and wide receiver Tre Harris with their second, the team has made it a priority to surround quarterback Justin Herbert with more weapons.
Throughout training camp, the team decided to bring back the Chargers receiving legend Keenan Allen. Known as a reception hound, the return of Allen stifles the reception upside McConkey once had. To make matters worse, the team’s best offensive lineman, Reshawn Slater, tore his patellar tendon, ending his season. Having just signed the largest contract for an offensive lineman in NFL history, the team is now left to scramble for a replacement as the season opener quickly approaches.
As previously mentioned, the rookie put on quite the show in 2024. Finishing the season as the WR12, many expect him to do the same, if not more, in 2025. It’s undeniable he’s a talented player who works well under the command of head coach Jim Harbaugh. While he may be a great asset to the team, that doesn’t mean it will translate to fantasy football points.
Currently being drafted as the WR11, the fantasy community believes the addition of three prominent offensive pieces will not affect the production of the sophomore receiver.
With the arrival of wide receivers Keenan Allen, Tre Harris, and running back Omarion Hampton this offseason, McConkey’s ceiling is now solidly capped. Fantasy football managers would be wise to look elsewhere in the third round of drafts this year.
*The statistics used in this article are based on the half-PPR format provided by fantasypros.
*For more fantasy football league winners and busts, click here.
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