I'm expecting Harris to be the #4 WR as a rookie. Let's not forget they brought Mike Williams back, and he'll be healthier and has a multiple season rapport with Herbert.
I agree. IMO:
- Williams will open the season as the starting X, and I expect he will keep that role for as long as he remains healthy.
- McConkey will get most of his snaps in the slot.
- Johnston will get most of his snaps at Z.
- Harris will get most of his snaps behind Williams at X and behind Johnston at Z.
Harris could have more snaps than either Williams or Johnston since he will potentially be the first backup at both X and Z. But that isn't a lock... McConkey will get some snaps at Z. But I don't think he will surpass Williams or Johnston as a fantasy WR this year unless one of them gets hurt.
It is important to remember that WRs that come out of the kind of college offense Harris played in typically need time to adjust to the NFL. FWIW, in Matt Harmon's Reception Perception Prospect Profile, he indicated these as potential comps:
- Best case: D.K. Metcalf
- Likely: Alec Pierce
- Worst case: Terrace Marshall
How likely is he to hit that best case? It will be interesting to see. I think his 2025 is likely to disappoint many fans from a fantasy perspective; though I think his presence will be beneficial to the rest of the offense. IMO he is more likely to break out as a fantasy player in 2026, assuming he shows enough this season that the Chargers let Williams walk next offseason.