I am not going out on a limb picking White as a breakout. He is not only an AFC West breakout but is also expected to be among the top breakout candidates in the entire league. He became the featured back for the final four games last season and didn’t disappoint. He had 20-plus touches in each game and should get most of the touches this season. Not only is he a hard runner, but he is a solid pass catcher and is a solid check-down option. His overall ADP is 71, making him a potential 6th-round steal. His ceiling is 1,500 combined yards and double-digit touchdowns, making him a solid league winner candidate.
McConkey was selected in the second round of this years’ NFL draft. He projects to see the field immediately and some think he may be the next Puka Nacua. That is probably a bit lofty, but he is quick and is an excellent route runner. Another reason McConkey projects well is that he could already be the best receiver on the team. His fellow receivers include Joshua Palmer, who always seems to find an injury, Quentin Johnston, who was a disappointment in his first season, and journeyman D.J. Chark. There is a strong possibility that he could become QB Justin Herbert’s go-to receiver. On the other hand, it is difficult to come up with accurate projections because the Charger offense projects to be a run-first offense under Head Coach Jim Harbaugh. I think a safe floor is 70 catches for 700 yards with a 90-catch 1000-yard ceiling, provided he stays healthy. His ADP of 87 makes him an early 8th-round selection and a solid choice.
Another Charger makes the list and could be the better bargain as an 11th-round pick. Palmer has a chance to become the team’s number-one receiver entering his fourth season, yet he is going to be overlooked in fantasy drafts in favor of Ladd McConkey. I think the main reason is that Palmer missed six games last season and underwhelmed in others. But we can see the potential, as he had two 100-yard games in his final six games and had six games of 7 targets or more. The volume should be there, provided he stays healthy. Also, in 2022, he finished with 72 catches for 769 yards and three touchdowns. Now that receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have moved on, someone has to step up, and Palmer has the experience with QB Justin Herbert.
