The Patriots wanted a wide receiver in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
New England had the opportunity to select Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick. They passed on him because they saw him as a slot-only receiver and swapped picks with the Chargers, who took him.
Fast forward eight months later, the former Georgia product came to Foxboro and made the Patriots feel regretful for not drafting him with a monstrous performance that saw him shatter a couple of franchise rookie records.
McConkey set new Chargers rookie records in receptions and receiving yards, as he currently has 77 receptions for 1,054 yards.
McConkey surpassed the player he was asked to fill the shoes of, shattering Keenan Allen’s previous records of 71 catches for 1,046 yards, which he set in 2013.
McConkey finished the game with eight catches for 94 yards and two scores.
After the game, some of McConkey’s teammates heaped high praise on him after reaching such outstanding feats.
“He’s such a tough player. He’s a playmaker and finds ways to get open,” Justin Herbert said, per the team’s official website. “He’s done such a great job of battling injuries and being out there for us.
“He’s a guy we trust on third down. Anytime we go out there, he’s a threat,” Herbert added. “All I have to do is get him the ball and he makes my job so much easier.”
Safety Derwin James, Jr., added: “Ladd is that guy. I told him before the game I wanted him to get to 1,000 yards. I’ve been keeping track for him all year. He got there today and I’m proud of him. He’s a baller, man.”
McConkey will have the opportunity to crack the top 10 for receiving yards among rookie receivers next Sunday against the Raiders. He needs 84 yards to surpass Michael Thomas (1,137).