Los Angeles Chargers wide out Ladd McConkey, who the Pats will be facing this Sunday. Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo was asked about his team passing on McConkey last April, and Mayo didn't exactly give the reporters much to work with in his response.

The Patriots were within reach of drafting him with the No. 34 overall pick, but they opted to trade that pick to the Chargers, who moved up to take him instead. Meanwhile, the Patriots moved down to No. 37 and used that pick on Ja’Lynn Polk.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo has received his share of criticism amid a 3-12 first season through 15 games in charge following the departure of Bill Belichick. And while Mayo’s job status is reportedly looking fairly safe through 2025, the embattled rookie coach has won one of the most important voices in the locker room.

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo indicated on Thursday that the tight end room was the most consistent room for the organization. The tight ends have been a major source of production for the offense, as rookie quarterback Drake Maye has leaned heavily on Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper this season.

The Patriots are currently 26th in EPA per play on offense and 30th in EPA per play allowed on defense. The first decision Mayo will need to make is whether to bring back offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington.

The Patriots' decision to trade the pick used to select McConkey and draft Ja'Lynn Polk has not aged well. The post Ladd McConkey is already becoming the next great Patriots draft fumble appeared first on Boston.

New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. is backing coach Jerod Mayo despite the Patriots' continued struggles on the season. "What he’s doing, I think it will work out in the future," Wise told reporters,

For the Patriots, Saturday’s game against the Chargers will not only serve as a test against a playoff-ready roster, but a painful reminder of a draft weekend blunder from last spring. After taking Drake Maye No.