Fantasy NFL Rumors: Ladd McConkey Replaces Keenan Allen as Quentin Johnston Is WR4
July 30, 2024
The 2024 fantasy outlook for the Los Angeles Chargers is muddled because of how much turnover they've had on the offensive side of the ball, but rookie receiver Ladd McConkey is emerging as the potential go-to option for Justin Herbert.
On the latest episode of the Scoop City podcast (starts at 20:00 mark), The Athletic's Chase Daniel reported at Chargers camp that McConkey is "taking Keenan Allen's role" in Herbert's mind.
While that's a positive sign for the Chargers' receiving corps, the news is not as promising for 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Daniel noted the former TCU star is currently the No. 4 wideout on the receiver depth chart, behind McConkey, Joshua Palmer and D.J. Chark Jr.
Allen was Herbert's favorite target during their four seasons as teammates. The six-time Pro Bowler averaged more than 10 targets per game from 2020 to '23 (543 in 53 appearances). His 380 catches during that span ranks seventh among all players.
When McConkey was selected with the No. 34 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, he immediately became the most talented receiver on Los Angeles' roster. The early returns from training camp seem to back that up.
McConkey earned high marks for his route running and athleticism leading up to the draft. There could be a period of adjustment in the NFL because of his size at just under 6'0" and 178 pounds. He ranked in the 10th percentile or worse in wingspan, arm length and hand size.
Johnston's inability to move up the depth chart with Allen and Mike Williams no longer on the roster is a much bigger concern than any potential issues with McConkey's size. Until there's any sign of growth in his game, it's impossible to expect him to be any sort of reliable contributor in real or fantasy football.
Even in a Greg Roman offense that figures to incorporate a lot of running plays into the equation, the idea that the Chargers will suddenly stop throwing the ball most of the time with Herbert at quarterback feels far-fetched.
McConkey has the most upside of any offensive skill player on the team. He's currently coming off the board as the No. 42 receiver and 95th player overall in fantasy drafts.
For a player who could easily get at least 100 targets from one of the best and most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL, McConkey could be one of the biggest steals in fantasy this year.
