Chargers Trade Up, Select WR Ladd McConkey

The Los Angeles Chargers started off Day 2 with a bang, selecting a receiver to start filling out Justin Herbert’s otherwise depleted receiving corps.

The Los Angeles Chargers traded up to the 34th overall pick in order to selected Ladd McConkey, receiver from Georgia.

The Chargers moved up three spots by swapping an early fourth for an early fifth-round pick in order to select the Georgia standout. This selection comes shortly after the Buffalo Bills selected Keon Coleman, perhaps indicating that a receiver run was about to begin.

Chargers fans worried about the franchise opting for an offensive linemen instead of a weapon might be reassured by the selection of McConkey, a redshirt junior who showed up big in the 2022 national championship game. McConkey ranked 31st on the Consensus Big Board and carries the unusual distinction of being lauded for both his athleticism and his route-running capability — a rare combination for receivers selected after the first round.

McConkey doesn’t have the production of other high-level receivers, with just 1,687 career receiving yards and just 478 yards in his final, injury-shortened year. While his frame suggests a slot profile — he’s 5’11” 186 pounds — he played 70.3 percent of his snaps out wide, using an excellent release to protect himself from physical press corners in the SEC.

Running a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (with a 1.52-second 10-yard split) with a blazing 3.97-second short shuttle and 6.72-second three-cone, McConkey represents fluidity, acceleration and deep speed all in one package.

Head coach Jim Harbaugh might see offensive linemen as a weapon, but it’s nice that Justin Herbert will have more receivers to throw to, especially one that can take advantage of his big arm — so long as McConkey can stay healthy.