The New England Patriots originally held the 34th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft but passed on Ladd McConkey when they traded three spots back with the Los Angeles Chargers, who proceeded to select the Georgia product. With the 37th overall pick, the Patriots drafted Ja’Lynn Polk. At the time of the draft, many fans expressed disappointment in passing on McConkey, and they could not have been more right.
New England Patriots trade 2nd-round miss to NFC South team
Jun 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (1) during the warmup period at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
As previously discussed on Gridiron Heroics, the New England Patriots traded Ja’Lynn Polk to the New Orleans Saints for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 seventh-round pick. The former second-round pick entered New England with high hopes but ended his tenure marked by inconsistency, issues with drops, and injuries. Polk had 12 receptions on 33 targets for 87 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games and seven starts in his rookie season and is already out for the season following shoulder surgery.
Also Read: New Orleans Saints: Acquire Wide Receiver Currently Out for Season
How has his counterpart fared with Los Angeles?
Dec 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) shown on the field before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Ladd McConkey has had the opposite impact on the Los Angeles Chargers compared to Ja’Lynn Polk. The Georgia standout enjoyed an incredible rookie season, surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and leading the team in every major statistical category except receiving touchdowns. McConkey hauled in 82 passes on 112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns over 16 regular-season games, plus a jaw-dropping nine receptions on 14 targets for 197 yards and one touchdown in the Wild Card.
To the dismay of Patriots fans, they recently clowned the front office for trading back in the draft to select Polk, who is now a member of the New Orleans Saints.
New England Patriots fans erupt over recent trade
Sep 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (6) celebrates with fans after intercepting a pass by the Miami Dolphins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Yikes. That could’ve been Ladd
— Wald (@YoSoyWald) September 13, 2025
We traded down from where we could’ve had Ladd McConkey for him, for fans of other teams that don’t know btw
— Kleaver (@KleaverSports) September 13, 2025
Ja’Lynn “best hands in the NFL” Polk finishes his Patriots career with 12 catches for 87 yards
— JaguarGator9 (@JaguarGator9NFL) September 13, 2025
I complained about this that day 😒
— Scott F (@TheFrizz87) September 13, 2025
He had a record bad rookie season I’m surprised they got anything outta him
— SteelTwins (@SteelTwins) September 13, 2025
Horrible pick
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 13, 2025
Patriots draft a good wr challenge
— Scotty Wilson (@S_Wilson901) September 13, 2025
Polk’s future looks shouldered
— BLOCKXS.COM (@blockxs) September 13, 2025
WE’RE FREE https://t.co/91TwkAN8AN pic.twitter.com/3nu9NAwG8w
— Drake Maye Lover (@drakemayeloverr) September 13, 2025
The #Patriots traded back and gave the Chargers Ladd McConkey and Tarheeb Still for free…. pic.twitter.com/s89aGgAuju
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) September 13, 2025
Patriots messed up so bad when they passed on Ladd McConkey.
pic.twitter.com/1a0catHQK7
— Drake 10 (@HoodiDrake) September 13, 2025
Another L for the “Draft Grades are useless” crowd.
Passing on Ladd McConkey to go grab JaLynn Polk was an inexplicable decision and was at the time the Patriots made it. https://t.co/fzXjrxngL9
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) September 13, 2025
Locker room head case
— Gatsby (@ZachGatsby) September 13, 2025
Drafted ahead of Ladd mcconkey btw lol
— Trevor Garcia (@TrevorGarcia11) September 13, 2025
lmaooo
— Akash (@YZR_Fantasy) September 13, 2025
Could’ve had McConkey & instead we drafted two players who aren’t even on the team anymore… after a single season…
— 401k (@nwotneab) September 13, 2025
They deserve an award for crappy wr drafting
— Drake Maye #1 Defender and Fantasy Owner (@RaatmaKills) September 13, 2025
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