Chargers bolster receiving, linebacking corps
They move up to nab McConkey in second and Harbaugh favorite Colson in third round.
For two months, the Chargers did nothing to bolster the wide receiver position.
When the latest opportunity presented itself Friday, they turned aggressive, trading with New England to move up three spots in the second round and drafting Georgia’s Ladd McConkey.
The smaller but speedy wideout played both outside and inside for the Bulldogs and emerged as a top prospect four years after entering college as a lightly recruited hopeful.
One round later, the Chargers addressed another need when they selected Michigan linebacker Junior Colson at No. 69.
Colson, who played for new Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh the last three years, combines size and speed and possesses a toughness that had Harbaugh’s eyes lighting up as he discussed the pick.
McConkey is a 6-foot, 186pounder whose game is based on quickness off the line of scrimmage and acceleration in the open field. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine, pairing that ability with precise route running.
“The quarterback … knows where he’s going to be,” general manager Joe Hortiz said. “That’s an outstanding thing to have and to bring to the Chargers.”
The team began Friday with the fifth pick in the second round, No. 37 overall. One selection into the round, the Chargers slid up to No. 34 to secure McConkey.
The deal also included them giving up the 110th pick (No. 10 in the fourth round) and acquiring the 137th (No. 2 in the fifth round).
“That’s just a little extra motivation,” McConkey said of knowing the Chargers surrendered more to get him. “They want me. They came up and got me. So I’m going to give everything I’ve got to them and make sure that it’s worth it.”
The Chargers probably aren’t done adding receivers after trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams in March because of salarycap issues.
Entering his fourth season, Joshua Palmer remains the only proven performer at the position. The Chargers’ previous regime used the No. 21 pick last year to select Quentin Johnston, who had an overwhelming rookie season.
With McConkey on board, Hortiz still is expected to pursue veteran help in free agency.
Describing himself as “a gadget guy that can do a little bit of it all,” McConkey, who also can return punts, had his most productive college season in 2022, when he caught 58 passes for 762 yards and seven touchdowns.
Last year he suffered a pair of injuries — back and ankle — that limited him to nine games and 30 receptions.
Still, Hortiz dismissed any concerns about McConkey’s durability, explaining that his playing style — spacial awareness and the ability to sense defenders and set them up — allows him to protect himself when working the middle of the field.
“He’s so sudden after the catch, getting upfield,” Hortiz said. “He’s like a little [Brock] Bowers. He’s got a great burst upfield.”
Bowers, one of McConkey’s teammates at Georgia, was drafted 13th overall Thursday by Las Vegas, the first tight end selected.
After three seasons in the high-profile Southeastern Conference, McConkey now will find himself running routes for a celebrity coach in Harbaugh and celebrity quarterback in Justin Herbert, who will welcome an additional target.
“Just watching his game, it comes easy to him,” McConkey said of Herbert. “He can make any and every throw. So excited to get out there and get in rhythm with him and show him what I can do and gain his trust.”
Colson, who led the national champion Wolverines in tackles last season, said he believed he could compete for a starting spot after the Chargers allowed Kenneth Murray Jr. and Eric Kendricks to depart in free agency. Colson’s transition will be aided by the fact he played in this same defensive system at Michigan. He already is familiar with the scheme and coordinator Jesse Minter.
“I believe I can be a starter anywhere I went,” said Colson, who is 6-2 and 238 pounds. “I’m ready for it.”
Harbaugh said the Chargers had Colson as the top inside linebacker in the draft. Harbaugh praised Colson’s athleticism and toughness, saying he played through a pair of injured hands “for a good part of the [2023] season.”
Colson expressed his appreciation for Harbaugh — “He picked me again, man!” — and said the coach was the reason he attended Michigan. He was asked what part of playing for Harbaugh was the greatest over the last three years.
“What part wasn’t great?” Colson said. “He’s the best coach out there. He’s the best coach to play for, I believe. He’s a winner. That’s something you always want to follow. You want to follow winners. … I believe I’m with a winner right now.”