The Patriots wanted a wide receiver in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

New England had the opportunity to select Ladd McConkey with the No. 34 overall pick. They waived him because they viewed him as a pure slot receiver and traded picks with the Chargers, who took him.

Eight months later, the former Georgia player arrived in Foxboro and sparked regret from the Patriots for not drafting him with a monstrous performance that led to him breaking multiple franchise rookie records.

McConkey set new Chargers rookie records in receptions and receiving yards as he currently has 77 receptions for 1,054 yards.

McConkey surpassed the player whose footsteps he was supposed to follow in, breaking Keenan Allen’s previous record of 71 catches for 1,046 yards, set in 2013.

McConkey finished the game with eight catches for 94 yards and two scores.

After the game, some of McConkey’s teammates heaped praise on him after his outstanding performance.

“He’s such a tough player. “He’s a playmaker and finds ways to get open,” Justin Herbert said on the team’s official website. “He has done a great job fighting injuries and being there for us.

“He’s a guy we can trust in the third half. Every time we go out he’s a threat,” Herbert added. “All I have to do is get him the ball and he makes my job so much easier.”

Safety Derwin James Jr. added: “Ladd is that guy. I told him before the game that I wanted him to reach 1,000 yards. I kept an eye on him all year long. He did it today and I’m proud of him. He’s a baller, man.

McConkey will have a chance to finish in the top 10 in receiving yards among rookie receivers next Sunday against the Raiders. He needs 84 yards to pass Michael Thomas (1,137).

This article originally appeared on Chargers Wire: Ladd McConkey ensures Chargers rookie gets records in win over Patriots: ‘He’s a baller, man’