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Ladd McConkey 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook: Sure-Handed Rookie Could Emerge As A Target Hog
7 months agoThe new-look Los Angeles Chargers used the 34th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to select Ladd McConkey as they reset their wide receiver corps. McConkey's college career began on Georgia's scout team but he would soon emerge as a reliable option who averaged 14.2 yards per catch with 18 total TDs in 39 games. The 75.3% catch rate helped make the most of his opportunities on a run-happy Georgia team. He also returned 21 punts there, averaging 13.3 yards per return. We know Justin Herbert has a massive arm, but he's now without Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Gerald Everett. That's over 225 vacated targets. Their 2023 first-rounder, Quentin Johnston, supplied little reason for optimism going into 2024 and Joshua Palmer is not a No. 1 receiver, which means the door is open for McConkey to be Herbert's primary target. Jim Harbaugh's return to the NFL may bring a balanced rushing attack, but McConkey is sure to be involved as a PPR magnet thanks to being a crisp route-runner with plus hands. He may struggle to secure enough yards or TDs to separate from the pack in non-PPR formats, but a WR3 in PPR is viable.
