Not bad for a small injury prone wide receiver from a run-first college. Ladd McConkey was a late-first to an early-second round pick in dynasty drafts this summer. How has his first season impacted his dynasty value, and what should managers expect moving forward? Let’s look into Ladd McConkey and his dynasty outlook.
Ladd McConkey, Chargers Wide Receiver Dynasty Outlook
Current Performance
At the time of this article, McConkey is the WR18 in PPR and WR33 in points per game. He’s solidified himself as Justin Herbert’s favorite target, and for good reason. Ladd is quietly a top 20 wide receiver in most efficiency metrics, like yards per target, yards per team pass attempt, and everything you want to see from a fantasy receiver. As he continues to grow in the offense (only participating in about 80% of routes right now) he could blow up to end the season.
Ladd McConkey Dynasty Price
Using the fantasycalc trade database, McConkey is fairly affordable right now. He’s acquirable for pieces like a first round pick in 2025, Amari Cooper and a second, or Trey Benson and a second. At this point he’s in between Jayden Reed and Tyreek Hill as the WR20. At these prices, it’s hard to not label him a buy for every situation.
What to do With Ladd McConkey in Dynasty
Normally, these are split up by either rebuilding, teams in the middle, or competing teams. That makes sense. But for McConkey, he’s scoring at a high clip now while still boasting a young age and an ascending track as a rookie tied to Justin Herbert long term. Instead, let’s look at this from the perspective of risk averse managers and risk seeking managers to try and find a strategy that works for everyone.
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Risk Averse Managers
Risk averse managers don’t want to mess around. They’re here to acquire proven assets that will hold value for long periods of time. With that in mind, consider selling McConkey and a second for players like Kenneth Walker, D.K. Metcalf or even Joe Burrow if you can swing it. The odds of that second round pick hitting are low, and McConkey can lose his main target role if the Chargers acquire a big name free agent or draft a receiver high in 2025.
Conversely, risk averse managers should look to move off of aging veterans for a player like McConkey. Rather than rolling the dice on an age cliff, Tyreek Hill or Mike Evans can be moved for McConkey as players make a run for their playoffs.
Risk Seeking Managers
Ladd McConkey is a great buy for risk seeking managers. He’s an ascending player by most estimates, and the underlying metrics support it. But he might not be the best risk seeking buy. Instead, acquiring Rashee Rice plus something on top might be worth the wait. Then again, moving off of someone like Devonta Smith or Terry McLaurin (with something sprinkled on top) can take a dynasty roster to the next level. Personally, I’d buy McConkey for some of the more boring vets in the league or a late first if the deal can get done.
Main Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
