Washington Huskies fans are extremely familiar with wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk’s extremely strong hands. However, the Huskies also saw a two-week stretch against Oregon State and Washington State where the eventual second-round pick was plagued by drops.
Now, with the New England Patriots, those issues have popped up again, according to head coach Jerod Mayo, who told the media that the rookie receiver needs to “get over this mental hump” and “eliminate the drops.”
Even though Polk has only been credited with two drops by Pro Football Focus, Mayo should rest easy knowing that he was able to do that at Washington, breaking out of those two weeks with 14 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown during the Pac-12 championship game and the Huskies’ run to the national championship.
The wide receiver also doesn’t lack confidence in himself, which should help his case as the Patriots turn to rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
“I’m not dealing with [any] mental problems at all. No mental problems,” Polk told MassLive.com. “I believe I have the best hands in the league. So, I feel like my drops, that’s not an issue at all.”
As part of a New England offense that struggled with quarterback Jacoby Brissett at the helm, Polk has had a quiet start to the season with 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown through the first six games of his career. But Polk still believes in himself, and with Maye running the show, he could be in line for a breakout game when the Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in London on Sunday.
“I’ve got more confidence in myself than anybody has in me,” he continued. “I just have the mindset of wanting to be the best. So, keep chasing greatness and being the best that I can be.”