Is Ladd McConkey or Quentin Johnston the WR1 for the Chargers?

How disappointing was Quentin Johnston in 2023? Johnston was a hyper-athletic prospect who was going to need time to develop into a star wide receiver. When presented with opportunities, Johnston suffered from simple concentration drops.

Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have been shipped out of town which makes this a make or break year for Johnston. The Chargers did not want to enter the season with Josh Palmer and Johnston as their top-two wide receivers so they drafted Ladd McConkey in the second round of April's draft.

McConkey is a speedy possession wide receiver who should fill the Keenan Allen role immediately. Will the incumbent or the young gun be Justin Herbert's No. 1 target? Let's check it out.

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Who is the Chicago Bears' WR1?

Ladd McConkey should slot in as the No. 1 target in this offense. Keenan Allen was a target machine with the Chargers, and McConkey should immediately step into that role.

Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman are expected to run a very run-heavy offense in 2024. This offense projects to have low passing volume and McConkey could very well already be the best pass catcher on this team leaving little room for others.

Last year's stats present a case against Johnston. Johnston was 23rd in average depth of target at 12.9. That's not a bad number, but that came in a much more air-raid offense. Johnston also finished the season with 0.92 yards per route run, good for 89th in the league and definitely not a number you want to see. Lastly, Johnston's catch rate was 56.7% in 2023. A low catch rate is partly due to Johnston's downfield targets, but 56.7% is definitely not a number to write home about.

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Both these players may very well be on the field for two wide receiver sets, and both will definitely be on the field in three wide receiver sets. McConkey should be the better fantasy option and could be an immediate PPR machine. McConkey is the new regime's pick and Johnston will need to prove himself. He has the athleticism and talent to do so, but McConkey is a much safer play. Expect Justin Herbert to look McConkey's way often and give you a WR3/Flex option in fantasy.

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