The New England Patriots could use a boost at the wide receiver position, and the Los Angeles Chargers happen to have one of the more consistent young wideouts in the league right now.
This week’s Gimme Him features a Chargers rookie receiver who many Patriots fans thought the team should have selected in the 2024 NFL draft.
Former Georgia standout Ladd McConkey is the pick for this week.
McConkey was selected by the Chargers three picks before the Patriots took Ja’Lynn Polk with the No. 37 pick in the second round. His production has been evident throughout the season, as he has recorded 69 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns on the year.
He is coming off a game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday where he racked up six catches for 87 yards. He has three games of over 100 yards this season and is fourth among rookies in receiving yards.
The Patriots have managed to get some production from receivers such as Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, but it hasn’t been enough to truly elevate the offense. It hasn’t helped that both rookies, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, have failed to break out.
That would change with McConkey’s ability to get open and make plays after the catch. It’s still a bit too early to write off Polk and Baker, but it’s fair to say the Patriots could have used McConkey’s production this year.
The jury is still out on how both Polk and McConkey will ultimately progress through their careers. Nevertheless, McConkey has gotten off to a solid start and has become a key piece to the Chargers’ future.
