The Los Angeles Chargers made massive changes at the wide receiver position in the offseason. They released Mike Williams after several years with the franchise. He signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets. The Chargers also traded Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Los Angeles will be a run-heavy offense this upcoming season. However, that didn’t stop them from making some additions at the wide receiver position. They signed DJ Chark in free agency and spent three picks in the NFL Draft on wide receivers – Ladd McConkey, Brenden Rice, and Cornelius Johnson.
While the other two rookies were late-round picks, many have high hopes for McConkey as a rookie. However, will he be a top-36 wide receiver? Let’s dive into his fantasy football outlook and the Chargers’ wide receiver core.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver Unit 2024 Fantasy Outlook
The former Georgia star will be a staple of the passing attack. Reportedly, McConkey will join Chark and Joshua Palmer as the starting three wide receivers. Meanwhile, last year’s first-round pick, Quentin Johnston, will be part of the second string of wide receivers heading into training camp. Only McConkey and Palmer should get drafted in standard-size leagues.
Daniel Popper of @TheAthletic believes the three WRs used in 11 personnel packages for the LA Chargers will be: Joshua Palmer, rookie Ladd McConkey, and DJ Chark.
Leaving out last year’s 21st overall pick, Quentin Johnston 😳 pic.twitter.com/cb8xgW4MDR
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) July 20, 2024
Is Ladd McConkey A Top-36 Wide Receiver?
While he wasn’t a first-round NFL Draft pick, there is plenty to like about McConkey for fantasy players. The rookie receiver has a clear pathway to significant targets from the slot after Allen had 150 last season despite missing four games.
Justin Herbert praised McConkey this offseason, saying the former Georgia star quickly picked up the offense like a veteran wide receiver. While Palmer, Chark, and Johnston are solid options, they don’t offer the same upside as McConkey. Fantasy players should feel confident drafting the rookie as a top-36 wide receiver in 2024, especially in PPR formats.
Ladd McConkey is a rookie you should be looking to add to your fantasy roster this SZN‼️🔊
🔺Clear path to volume this year
🔺Made history earlier this offseason by signing one of the highest-earning deals for any player selected 34th overall
🔺Justin Herbert is impressed with… pic.twitter.com/pC9bn9bguH
— PPRFantasyTips (@PPRFantasyTips) July 22, 2024
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!
Win More With RotoBaller
Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:
More Fantasy Football Analysis