After a slow start in the 2024 NFL season, Ladd McConkey emerged as a key pass-catcher for the Los Angeles Chargers, often standing out as the most dependable target alongside quarterback Justin Herbert. As he enters his second NFL season, McConkey is shaping up to be a promising choice for fantasy managers seeking a wide receiver with WR2 value and upside for a WR1 role.
Evaluating Ladd McConkey’s 2025 Draft Potential
According to Sportskeeda’s Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings, McConkey ranks as the eighth-best wide receiver and 13th overall player in the league heading into 2025. His strong connection with Justin Herbert suggests he will receive at least 100 targets this season, making him an appealing draft option for fantasy owners aiming to secure a reliable receiving weapon early in their drafts.
Projected Performance and Season Expectations
Using Sportskeeda’s “Who Should I Draft” tool, McConkey is expected to accumulate approximately 295.3 fantasy points for the 2025 season. This projection surpasses his 2024 total by over 44 points, following a breakout rookie campaign where he posted 82 receptions on 112 targets, accumulating 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on ESPN Fantasy. Last year, McConkey ranked among the top 20 NFL receivers in several key metrics, including receiving yards, touchdowns, catch rate, yards per target, and yards per route run.
Forecasts for 2025 anticipate McConkey catching around 101 passes for over 1,400 yards and nearly nine receiving touchdowns. After such a strong sophomore season, he is positioned as the clear WR1 on the Chargers offense. With Quentin Johnson continuing to struggle securing catches and Tre Harris emerging as a complementary receiving option, McConkey’s role as Herbert’s top target appears secure. Although the addition of tight end Tyler Conklin could diversify passing options, McConkey is expected to remain Herbert’s favorite target throughout the season.
Assessing McConkey’s Fantasy Value Amid Competition
McConkey presents a compelling selection as a WR2 who could easily function as a WR1 if some higher-profile receivers are taken earlier in drafts. Despite being listed as day-to-day ahead of the Chargers’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, there is no indication of a significant injury that would limit his availability. Fantasy analysts favor McConkey over other wide receivers such as AJ Brown, especially given his role in a pass-heavy offense where he should see consistent targets.
Ideal Draft Positioning for the 2025 Season
In full point-per-reception (PPR) leagues, it would be unexpected to see McConkey fall beyond the second round. If he continues to perform at his projected level, he could become one of the biggest fantasy overachievers in 2025, offering excellent value relative to his draft position. Managers who draft McConkey early stand to benefit from a dependable and high-upside receiver in their starting lineup.