Ladd McConkey

Chargers traded up with the Patriots to select Georgia WR Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

McConkey instantly becomes LA’s No. 1 receiver ahead of Josh Palmer and Quenton Johnston. He should see solid target volume despite playing in Greg Roman’s ultra run-heavy offense under a head coach that wants nothing more than to establish the run. A former three-star recruit, McConkey (6’/186) was redshirted for his first year at Georgia before taking on a part-time role in the offense in 2021. He excelled on his limited number of routes, leading the team’s wide receivers—which at the time included Adonai Mitchell and Jermaine Burton—with 31 catches. His role and his stats took a step forward the following year and he appeared poised for a breakout as a senior. Instead, back and ankle injuries limited him to nine appearances in which he posted a 30/478/2 receiving line. McConkey posted an elite, 3.3 yards per route run in his final season. He proved to be more than just a crafty slot receiver at the combine with a 4.39 40-yard dash. McConkey later added top-notch marks in the three-cone and short shuttle to his resume at Georgia’s Pro Day. McConkey’s combination of route-running and athleticism makes it easy to downplay his lack of production given how quickly he should adapt to the NFL’s speed and physicality.