Ladd McConkey vs. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Who Should I Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Lance Fernandez compares the fantasy football potential of wide receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ladd McConkey for the 2024 NFL season. Which WR should fantasy owners prioritize during the fantasy draft?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ladd McConkey are young wide receivers with unlimited upside. With Smith-Njigba playing in his second season and McConkey about to get his first taste of NFL action, they should have a long way to go in building successful pro football careers.

Luckily, some great offensive minds can help them succeed. Smith-Njigba will play for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, formerly of the Washington Huskies. McConkey will have national champion Jim Harbaugh as a mentor.

Given the football environment they're currently in, which of these two promising wideouts will be the better choice for fantasy football?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Fantasy Football Outlook

The Seahawks' wide receiver room might not get as much love as its counterparts on other teams. However, it has three players capable of taking over come game time. DK Metcalf had 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns last season, while Tyler Lockett had 894 yards and five TDs.

In his rookie season, Smith-Njigba had a modest 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns. After struggling in his first four games, he manifested steady production from Weeks 6 to 13, putting up not lower than 40 receiving yards in each game.

I know Jaxon-Smith Njigba's rookie year was very dissappointing, but I don't think it was a talent issue...

QB play was mid, scheme held him back, and Geno Smith was battling injuries

Great time to buy low and he's still in my top 24 dynasty rankings ✅ pic.twitter.com/DDO1grAPQe

— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) June 7, 2024

Grubb's different offensive perspective can help Smith-Njigba improve those stats. But last year, his output made him the WR43 in standard, PPR, and half-PPR formats. Meanwhile, his ADP is as high as 78 in PPR and as low as 108 in standard.

Playing Metcalf and Lockett could make him a challenging cover in 2024, as he'll have no shortage of opportunities with favorable matchups.

Ladd McConkey Fantasy Football Outlook

Various injuries limited McConkey to nine games during his final year at Georgia. However, he still averaged 15.7 yards per catch and 53.1 receiving yards per game. While the Chargers weighed in on his injury status, they felt his room for improvement makes him an intriguing prospect.

When he's healthy, the wide receiver from Chatsworth can be a difference-maker. Two years ago, he had 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns. These numbers, including his 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns, helped McConkey earn a second-team All-SEC distinction. His efforts helped the Bulldogs win a second consecutive CFP National Championship.

Senior Bowl Highlight: WR Ladd McConkey (Georgia)

🔸Versatile Weapon: Rushing TD In Each Season (4)
🔸Radar For The 1st Down Marker: 30 Rec - 20 1st Downs
🔸Natural Playmaker
🔸Avg'd 13+ YPC All 3 Seasons#GoCFB #GoDawgs #Georgia #thedraftstartsinMobile @seniorbowl pic.twitter.com/2TLeGVQQa1

— CFB Nation 🏈 (@TheCFBNation) January 14, 2024

While he hasn't played a down in the NFL, he is ranked 101st overall in fantasy draft boards and 44th among wide receivers. His ADP may vary from 70 in PPR leagues to 109 in standard, putting him in the same tier as Smith-Njigba.

Should I Draft McConkey or Smith-Njigba in Fantasy Football

The numbers show you can't go wrong when selecting McConkey or Smith-Njigba at cost. But comparing their situation, the rookie might have the opportunity to deliver better stats.

Smith-Njigba will compete for catches with Metcalf and Lockett. Quarterback Geno Smith will look for those two wideouts before he reads Smith-Njigba's route. It's not a knock to Smith-Njigba's talent, but Metcalf and Lockett have proven themselves to be better options for now, even if there will be a change in offensive scheme under Grubb.

Meanwhile, given the Chargers' depth chart at wide receiver, McConkey may have a breakout rookie season. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams transferring to different teams, McConkey is almost certainly going to be a starter with Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer.

Chargers OC Greg Roman on Ladd McConkey

Lines up with everything we heard about Ladd the last 4 years

That’s how the 1,131st player in the 2020 class arrived with three WR’s ranked in the top 75 overall and became the most productive of the bunch

pic.twitter.com/q84V6i7o1a

— Graham Coffey (@GrahamCoffeyDC) June 14, 2024

Johnston's rookie season was largely considered a failure after being the first wideout taken in the 2023 draft. Palmer had solid numbers (581 yards, two touchdowns) but hasn't proven himself as a primary option. The questions surrounding both players give McConkey room to position himself as the Chargers' top pass-catcher.

Chargers.com writer Eric Smith wrote on June 11 that McConkey and Justin Herbert are developing a solid connection during the mandatory minicamp. That's a good start for their partnership as they head to training camp.

While McConkey has a slight edge over Smith-Njigba in fantasy, this battle could go either way. Both are solid WR3 options with potential WR2 upside.

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