LaddMcConkey

News: 3 hours agoMcConkey (hip) caught all six of his targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 26-8 win over the Saints.

Spin: McConkey was questionable heading into the game due to a hip injury, but the rookie didn't seem hampered at all physically in a breakout performance that included a 60-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter and a nine-yard touchdown in the fourth. His two touchdown catches in this one matched McConkey's total from his first six NFL games, and the second-round pick out of Georgia has seen at least six targets in all but one game in what has been a promising start to his career. McConkey will look to build on this standout effort when the Chargers travel to Cleveland in Week 9.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Though Puka Nacua did it just last season, it's not common historically that a second-day draft pick emerges as his team's go-to receiver. McConkey has a very real chance to do just that, considering the team's aggressive move to trade up for him at No. 34 overall, addressing what was an especially weak spot on the team. He's a polished route-runner who, despite a disappointing and injury-limited senior season at Georgia, excelled at the combine (4.39 40 time), a reminder of his elite speed and quickness. Expect McConkey to get an extended look during the preseason, with a high probability of emerging as Justin Herbert's preferred target before the 2024 season concludes. There's WR3 upside here.