The NFL Draft is a high-stakes chess match, where every move can redefine a franchise’s future. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the 2024 NFL Draft became a defining moment when they traded up in the second round to select Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
A recently released video, shared by NFL insider Albert Breer on X, offers a peek behind the scenes at the Chargers’ war room as they orchestrated the deal with the New England Patriots.
Chargers Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Footage of Draft Day Move for Ladd McConkey
The video, posted yesterday, takes fans inside the Chargers’ draft room during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers exchanged their No. 37 and No. 110 picks with the Patriots for the No. 34 and No. 137 selections, which gave them room to jump three spots in the second round and secure McConkey, a player they coveted.
The footage captured Hortiz on the phone with McConkey, sealing the deal enthusiastically.
“Hello. Oh, is this Ladd? Yes, sir. Hey, Ladd. How you doing? This is Joe Hortiz with the Chargers. How you doing?” Hortiz asks. McConkey, “Yes, sir. I’m good. I’m good. How are you?”
Love getting to see this background. Video of the @Chargers trading up in the second round last year to land Ladd McConkey. pic.twitter.com/TanTkXZ7be
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 22, 2025
Hortiz doesn’t mince words, diving straight into the purpose of the call: “I’m doing great. Hey, listen, we’re working on moving up to get you. Alright? We are on the clock, brother. What do you think? You wanna come be one of Justin Herbert’s targets?”
McConkey’s response is immediate and resolute: “Hey, let’s do it. Let’s make it happen.” His gratitude is clear as he repeats, “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
The room erupts in celebration as the pick is finalized, a testament to the Chargers’ conviction in McConkey’s potential to elevate their offense alongside Pro Bowl quarterback Justin Herbert.
Why McConkey Was Worth the Trade
Ladd McConkey wasn’t just another name on the draft board; he was a proven talent. At 6 feet tall and 185 pounds, the 23-year-old wide receiver brought a pedigree that only a few in the 2024 draft class could match.
A two-time national champion with the Georgia Bulldogs, McConkey exemplifies his playmaking ability in high-stakes games, including a touchdown catch in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship against TCU.
For the Chargers, the decision to trade up was a no-brainer. With Herbert already established as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, the team needed a dynamic weapon to strengthen its receiving corps.
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The trade, while costly in terms of draft capital, showcases the Chargers’ aggressive approach under Hortiz, who was in his first year as GM after a long tenure with the Baltimore Ravens.
By December 2024, McConkey had already made the move worth it. The rookie wideout recorded at least 50 receiving yards in eight consecutive games, a remarkable feat for a first-year player. His connection with Herbert was evident from the beginning, giving the Chargers a legitimate deep threat and a reliable target on third downs.
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