Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey seemed like the prototypical New England Patriots draft choice before the 2024 board went live.
He’s a sure-handed receiver with the sort of toughness, elite route-running and playmaking ability Patriots fans remember from players like Julian Edelman, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.
The Patriots were within reach of drafting him with the No. 34 overall pick, but they opted to trade that pick to the Chargers, who moved up to take him instead. Meanwhile, the Patriots moved down to No. 37 and used that pick on Ja’Lynn Polk.
So far, the trade has been a huge win for the Chargers considering McConkey has hauled in 69 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns. Polk, on the other hand, has 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
Patriots coach Jerod Mayo was asked if the decision to pass on McConkey was due to the team already having a slot receiver on the roster.
“As a whole, I would say we’re always looking to improve our roster,” Mayo told reporters on Thursday. “What position that happens to be could change on a daily basis during those times. Look, we got the guys that we got here, and our focus is just on this game.”
The jury is still out on Polk’s NFL career, but so far, the returns on the second-round investment have been incredibly disappointing. Patriots lead personnel executive Eliot Wolf might be a better source of information on the draft misfire with McConkey.
Both Wolf and Mayo will have a chance to see the player they missed out on up close and in person in Saturday’s AFC matchup between the Patriots and Chargers.
