Ladd McConkey

Snap share climbed to a full-time 88-89% down the stretch, but target share cratered in three of the last four games (6-13%) even as the role stayed full-time — a scheme/accuracy issue that must reverse under the new play-caller, not just a snap-count fix.

McConkey is nursing a left hamstring strain from spring OTAs; both he and the staff call it minor, but the team's cautious handling (held out of 11-on-11 work in mandatory minicamp) layers onto a pattern of recurring minor lower-body issues (2025 foot, 2024 toe) worth tracking into camp.

Quentin Johnston and a re-signed Keenan Allen sit behind him on the depth chart alongside two receiving tight ends (Njoku, Gadsden), giving LAC's new offense several bodies that could siphon red-zone and early-down looks even though McConkey retains the confirmed WR1 job.

New OC Mike McDaniel arrives from Miami, where his motion-heavy, YAC-designed passing scheme fueled comparable slot/quick-game profiles — a strong archetypal fit for McConkey after a suppressive 2025 under the prior coordinator.

An improved offensive line and a full offseason around a healthy Justin Herbert address the two biggest context-driven drags on McConkey's 2025 slump, clearing the runway for a target and efficiency rebound in year 3.

Statistical neighbors Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Zay Flowers all posted a 12-15 PPG year-2 season, well above McConkey's context-suppressed 11.0 PPG, suggesting 2025 was an outlier relative to his draft/usage profile rather than his emerging ceiling.

McConkey has held the confirmed WR1 role since Week 16 with a starter's snap share (78-89%), leaving him best positioned in LAC's receiving corps to capture the new scheme's target growth.