After clearing 1,000 yards as a rookie, fantasy football managers were excited about the growth potential of Ladd McConkey in 2025. There were moments of productivity in his second season, but overall, he disappointed and is now available at the end of the third round more often than not. In an offense we all like, could this be a chance to get WR1 production at a WR2 price tag?
Should You Draft Ladd McConkey in Fantasy Football?
McConkey was drafted as a clear starter last summer, but his first weekly finish better than WR20 didn’t come until Week 6. His last finish that good came in Week 10, and the stretch in between wasn’t nearly enough to justify where he went off draft boards.
Quentin Johnston looked like a world beater through the first month of the season before regressing hard. That was painful for McConkey managers last season, but it’s part of why he’s an interesting buy in 2026.
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As good as QJ was early, he showed himself to be what we thought him to be: a spike player that shouldn’t be viewed as a WR1. McConkey proved during his rookie season that he can be that type of player, and that’s all sorts of encouraging to me at this price point.
The offensive environment still gives McConkey a path back. The Chargers ranked fourth in red zone pass rate last season, and this coaching staff has made clear it wants to put the ball in Justin Herbert’s hands. If the target distribution centers around McConkey, he could return to his rookie-level production or exceed it meaningfully.
Preseason Fantasy WR Rankings
- Ja’Marr Chase | CIN
- Puka Nacua | LAR
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA
- Amon-Ra St. Brown | DET
- Drake London | ATL
- Justin Jefferson | MIN
- CeeDee Lamb | DAL
- Nico Collins | HOU
- A.J. Brown | NE
- Malik Nabers | NYG
- George Pickens | DAL
- Chris Olave | NO
- Rashee Rice | KC
- Zay Flowers | BAL
- Jaylen Waddle | DEN
- Tee Higgins | CIN
- DeVonta Smith | PHI
- Ladd McConkey | LAC
- Terry McLaurin | WAS
- Emeka Egbuka | TB
- Tetairoa McMillan | CAR
- Garrett Wilson | NYJ
- Jameson Williams | DET
- Christian Watson | GB
- Luther Burden III | CHI
- Rome Odunze | CHI
- Parker Washington | JAX
- Carnell Tate | TEN
- DJ Moore | BUF
- Marvin Harrison Jr. | ARI
- Davante Adams | LAR
- Brian Thomas Jr. | JAX
- Quentin Johnston | LAC
- Mike Evans | SF
- Stefon Diggs | WAS
- Michael Wilson | ARI
- DK Metcalf | PIT
- Jakobi Meyers | JAX
- Josh Downs | IND
- Michael Pittman Jr. | PIT
- Jayden Reed | GB
- Courtland Sutton | DEN
- Wan’Dale Robinson | TEN
- Chris Godwin Jr. | TB
- Alec Pierce | IND
- Makai Lemon | PHI
- Jordan Addison | MIN
- De’Zhaun Stribling | SF
- Khalil Shakir | BUF
- Romeo Doubs | NE
