The New England Patriots have been struggling in the wide receiver department for some time now. Owing to this struggle, head coach Jerod Mayo saw himself facing criticism over the Ladd McConkey draft saga.
The Patriots will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, and McConkey, Jim Harbaugh’s rookie star this season, is at the center of controversy. Mayo praised the former Georgia Bulldogs athlete, calling him a player to “keep an eye on.”
Jerod Mayo’s Assessment of Ladd McConkey Attracts Fan Scrutiny
New England had the No. 34 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a prime spot to secure the services of McConkey, whose skill set brings flashes of Patriots greats like Julian Edelman and Wes Welker.
“As a whole, I would say we’re always looking to improve our roster. What position that happens to be could change on a daily basis during those times. Look, we got the guys that we got here, and our focus is just on this game,” said Mayo.
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Conference 12/26: https://t.co/K9dfun5BoR
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 26, 2024
However, Mayo’s sentiment has done little to appease fans who believe New England fumbled by passing on McConkey during the draft. Instead, the Patriots traded the No. 34 pick to the Chargers, who plucked McConkey like a ripe fruit.
New England, who moved down to No. 37 overall as a result of the trade, secured Ja’Lynn Polk — a decision that has aged poorly for the Patriots’ front office.
This season, McConkey has recorded 69 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns against Polk’s 12 catches for 87 yards and two scores.
Fans haven’t held back their frustrations, taking to X to roast the Mayo’s statement.
One fan said, “Maybe should have drafted him instead of stone hands. Pats need to outsource WR scouting. You have to try to miss this badly this often.”
Maybe should have drafted him instead of stone hands. Pats need to outsource WR scouting. You have to try to miss this badly this often.
— AlwaysKlech (@Always_Klech) December 26, 2024
“‘We did some work on him’ and missed,” wrote another.
One fan tweeted, “Really, then why did u swap picks with Charges during draft and take Polk and (Javon) Baker while Chargers then drafted McConkey. Wait are we gonna try to somehowblame this draft on BB.”
“So you did some work on him, found out he gets himself open, and then drafted guys who couldn’t get any separation instead. Makes sense,” said another.
Another commented, “Let me translate: ‘We did some work on him, but we were afraid he would be too talented which would hurt the feelings of our other WR’s.. so we didn’t draft him.”
“They did some work on him and instead opted to go for the best cement hands in the nfl with Polk,” tweeted one more fan taking a dig at both Mayo and Polk.
McConkey’s success isn’t just salt on the wounds of the Patriots’ draft strategy but a reminder of missed opportunities. The Chargers’ rookie is on pace for a 1,000-yard season, while New England’s WR corps continues to find its footing.
Mayo and the Patriots will now face McConkey firsthand in Saturday’s AFC clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Hindsight will offer a clear view of the Patriots’ misstep, but the team’s focus must shift forward.
New England needs to secure a top-tier wide receiver, whether through the draft, free agency, or trade, to pair with quarterback Drake Maye.