Going into the 2024 NFL Draft, it was clear what the Patriots were going to do with their coveted third overall selection: select their next franchise quarterback. The rest of their high-round picks were desirable positioning as well, with the expectation that they would continue to address the offense to build around the rookie quarterback they took early on.
The wide receiver class was deep, giving them the opportunity to add an impressive contract beyond the first round. This made their 33rd overall pick the perfect place to snag one that might have fallen unexpectedly into the second round.
There was a lot of talk surrounding the seemingly perfect fit of Georgia's Ladd McConkey, as many labeled him the epitome of a future Patriot. But the team was rumored to have had their eyes set on Texas' Xavier Worthy, even trying to trade back into the first round to take him, only for the Bills to trade their pick to the Chiefs for the Super Bowl Champions to grab him.
That left the "perfect Patriot" available in the second round, making him an obvious choice for New England. But they, too, traded away their pick to the Chargers and later picked Ja'Lynn Polk instead, while LA selected McConkey.
Based on their rookie seasons so far, the new regime made a huge mistake, which could continue to haunt them for years to come.
Passing on Ladd McConkey is a decision that the Patriots are paying for already
With McConkey ready for the taking when the Patriots were on the clock for the 33rd pick, deciding not to take him is already proving to be a regrettable choice for the new unofficial general manager, Eliot Wolf.
Since joining the Chargers, he has recorded 43/63 receptions for 615 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per catch and 61.5 yards per game.
Comparing that to what the Patriots have gotten from Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, the two receivers they took in this year's draft, is painful. The two have combined for 11/28 for 80 yards and two touchdowns, all of which have come from Polk's limited opportunities, as Baker has been relegated to kick returns thus far.
Although it's still early in their careers, McConkey has already demonstrated the type of player he is and can be for the Chargers long term and is exactly what the Patriots offense needed. Baker and Polk can get to that point with better coaching and more opportunities but are yet to prove they were the right picks through 11 games this year.
They are already being labeled as the team's latest draft busts, and much chatter regarding their offseason decisions in 2025 has centered on focusing on bringing in more wide receiver talent to make up for their underwhelming roster.
It would be great if they could become solid weapons for Drake Maye in the future and prove the doubters wrong, especially seeing McConkey thrive in Los Angeles. But that hope is dwindling as the weeks pass and little improvement is shown.