Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Ladd McConkey

Wednesday, May 28, 10:24 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) and tight end Drew Ogletree (undisclosed) both miss Wednesday's voluntary practice with soft-tissue injuries. Downs has had his share of injuries already through two NFL seasons, so although it's early in the offseason, his health is worth watching closely the closer we get to training camp and the preseason. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took a small step forward in 2024 with a 72-803-5 line on 107 targets over 14 games (eight starts). A lot of his production last year came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, and his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame limits his overall upside. Downs' 2025 fantasy value will likely hinge on who wins the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

Friday, June 6, 7:53 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey dealt with multiple injuries last season, but still only missed one game during the regular season. The rookie wideout seemed banged up throughout most of the season, but still put up strong numbers. He finished with 1,149 receiving yards with 82 receptions and seven touchdowns in 16 games (14 starts) with the Chargers last season. Now, McConkey is focusing on the art of falling down in order to protect himself from injury. McConkey wants to learn how to fall safely to avoid serious injury and stay on the field as much as possible. It's nice to see such a young player taking care of his body this early in his career. McConkey was a stud last season and his value figures to only go up.