Chargers trade up with Patriots to snag nimble receiver at pick No. 34

This swap of fourth-rounders lead to the Chargers selecting Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey. The Bolts passed on a glaring need to add Joe Alt in Round 1; they began addressing the receiver position Friday Nnight. This move represents a continuation of the run on receivers stemming from the end of the first round Thursday night.

McConkey spent his full college career with the Bulldogs and he played a role in the team’s back-to-back national titles. The shifty slot man showed notable improvement from 2021 to ’22. In the latter campaign, he posted 762 yards and seven touchdowns on 58 receptions.

That was followed by an injury-shortened 2023 campaign, with McConkey being limited to just nine contests. However, he averaged a career-best 15.9 receptions while remaining a key figure in Georgia’s passing offense. At the Combine, the 6-0, 186-pounder ran an impressive 40-yard dash time (4.39 seconds). That cemented his status as one of the top options in a loaded receiver class.

Finding playing time should not be challenging for McConkey. Los Angeles released Mike Williams before trading away Keenan Allen this offseason. As a result, the WR spot has been seen as a major need in spite of the decision to select Quentin Johnston in the first round of last year’s draft. Johnston had an underwhelming rookie campaign, but he should be in line for a notable role in 2024. The same will likely be true of McConkey.