Ladd McConkey, taken 34th overall out of Georgia by the Los Angeles Chargers, looked like a top-10 pick in 2024. If the Bears had a redo, they might think twice about taking Rome Odunze at ninth overall. McConkey finished the season with 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns. He was the third-best wide receiver in his rookie class and finished as WR13 in fantasy scoring. Impressive? No doubt. But let’s look further to see if he’s undervalued in dynasty startups.
According to Dynasty League Football, McConkey’s average draft position in 1QB leagues is WR13, or 19th overall. While this seems reasonable, a deeper analysis reveals some discrepancies. He’s being drafted behind A.J. Brown, who scored fewer fantasy points last season, and even 28-year-old running back Saquon Barkley, whose long-term value is declining. Garrett Wilson, who finished just above McConkey in fantasy points last year, faces uncertainty at quarterback with Justin Fields. That makes McConkey’s situation more appealing due to the quality of the targets he’ll receive. While Marvin Harrison Jr. is ranked higher (WR12), McConkey outshined him as a rookie. Harrison Jr. finished as WR30—not every highly drafted wide receiver makes an immediate impact. In Superflex formats, McConkey’s ADP drops to 50th overall and WR20, trailing players like Rome Odunze, Christian McCaffrey, Jaylen Waddle, and DK Metcalf.
McConkey wasn’t just another promising rookie—he shattered expectations. He broke Keenan Allen’s Chargers rookie records for both receptions and receiving yards. He was a volume machine in a real NFL offense. And then came the playoffs. Remember that Wild Card game against the Houston Texans? McConkey went nuclear: 9 catches, 197 yards, and a touchdown. That’s the third-most receiving yards in a playoff debut—trailing only Calvin Johnson and Demaryius Thomas. It wasn’t just a fluke. He’s delivered in big moments, dating back to his national championship games at Georgia.
Let’s not forget who’s throwing him the ball. Justin Herbert, one of the league’s elite arm talents, ranked third in “Hero Ball” throws last season (via Fantasy Points)—those high-risk, high-reward plays that demand trust. It’s clear Herbert trusts McConkey. The rookie earned a 22.9% target share. Herbert should keep targeting McConkey, who ranked as WR8 (minimum 50 targets) in passer rating when targeted by the quarterback—an elite 125.4. That’s not just chemistry; it’s efficiency and signals McConkey’s potential for consistent production.
Is Ladd McConkey a value in a dynasty? Absolutely. Rookie record-setter. Immediate chemistry with a top-10 quarterback. And yet—he’s still being drafted behind aging names living off reputations and rookies who haven’t done what McConkey already has. He’s a polished, high-IQ receiver who proved he can handle volume, create separation, and deliver under pressure—all in year one. If he takes even a standard year-two jump, he’s not just cracking the top 12—he’s making noise in the top 8, setting the stage for an exciting future.
This is where sharp managers make their moves. Don’t wait for training camp hype—plant your flag now. Because when McConkey breaks out, you’ll either be the one cashing in or watching him torch your lineup for the next seven years. It’s all about making the right moves at the right time in dynasty leagues.
