New Injury Intel Makes Chargers' Second-Round Pick a Major Risk
By Cem Yolbulan
The Los Angeles Chargers are going through a transformative season. Under the direction of new head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers remade their roster, especially on the offensive side, parting ways with long-time Bolts Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, and Gerald Everett. Instead, they have been focusing on strengthening the trenches, even going as far as drafting offensive tackle Joe Alt with their fifth-overall pick.
This approach received some criticism in the media and by Chargers fans. There was a consensus that the Chargers lacked offensive firepower. General manager Joe Hortiz finally addressed that need with the second-round pick when the Chargers drafted Ladd McConkey out of Georgia.
As exciting as it is for the Bolts to finally pair Justin Herbert with a playmaker, this selection comes with significant risks.
Chargers Take Big Risk By Drafting WR Ladd McConkey
The #Chargers trade up and take #Georgia WR Ladd McConkey at No. 34. He fell out of the first round due to concerns about a back ailment. But the hope is it's something he can manage.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2024
I loved Ladd McConkey's tape. Thought for months he made an ideal #Patriots fit. But I heard this morning a few teams flagged him over medical concerns related to his back.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) April 26, 2024
The Patriots pass and look for another WR.
Ladd McConkey was seen as a first-round talent heading into the draft. It was widely projected that he would be the choice at the end of Day 1 for the Chiefs, Bills, or the 49ers. Instead, the 22-year-old Georgia native fell to the second-round.
Now, we know more about the reason why. Reportedly, McConkey was flagged by multiple teams due to medical concerns, according to Boston Herald reporter Andrew Callahan.
McConkey dealt with back injuries during his senior year at Georgia, only appearing in nine games. This also impacted his production as he finished with 30 catches, 478 yards, and two touchdowns.
The Chargers presumably did their evaluation and they obviously thought McConkey's back was not an issue of concern. We have seen plenty of players with medical questions perform extremely well in the NFL. However, it can't be denied that this is a major risk for the Chargers, so let's hope that Harbaugh and Hortiz are proven right with this boom-or-bust selection.
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