Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Chargers had a few needs on their roster. A majority of the most pressing ones came on the offensive side of the ball, where major changes had occurred this offseason.
Over the salary cap and needing to make some moves, Los Angeles had some incredibly difficult decisions to make with their roster. Long-time wide receiver Keenan Allen was traded to the Chicago Bears and Mike Williams was released to save some salary cap space.
That created a major void in the depth chart for Jim Harbaugh. The Chargers had one of the more underwhelming wide receiver depth charts heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, so they knew some additions needed to be made.
With their first-round pick, No. 5 overall, Los Angeles opted to pass on a wide receiver, opting to select offensive tackle Joe Alt out of Notre Dame instead. But, in the second round, they added a weapon for Justin Herbert to work with.
With the second pick of the second round, No. 33 overall, the Chargers selected Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey. To get up to that spot, Los Angeles completed a trade with the New England Patriots, trading the Nos. 37 and 110 picks to get up to 33.
The move up the draft board and subsequent selection of McConkey was highly regarded by one NFL scout who spoke to NFL Analysis Network. The scout made a bold comparison for McConkey as well, as they see some Antonio Brown in his game.
“Ladd McConkey was one of the most underrated wide receivers in this entire draft. The Chargers are getting Justin Herbert a good one. Think a similar wideout to Antonio Brown, but with a much better head on his shoulders. He adds a lot to that wide receiver room that was in major need of help.”
The Chargers are getting a much-needed upgrade at wide receiver with the steady-handed McConkey. He could create an excellent long-term pairing with 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston for Herbert to work with for the foreseeable future.
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