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Jerod Mayo's response to Patriots not drafting Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey seemed like the prototypical New England Patriots draft choice before the 2024 board went live.

He's a sure-handed receiver with the sort of toughness, elite route-running and playmaking ability Patriots fans remember from players like Julian Edelman, Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

The Patriots were within reach of drafting him with the No. 34 overall pick, but they opted to trade that pick to the Chargers, who moved up to take him instead. Meanwhile, the Patriots moved down to No. 37 and used that pick on Ja'Lynn Polk.