Ja’Lynn Polk came to Washington because their wide receivers room was thinning out between the 2020 and 2021 seasons. After three seasons on Montlake, Polk became the latest member to reap the benefits of Washington’s offensive renaissance.
Polk joined Michael Penix Jr., Rome Odunze, and Troy Fautanu as official members of the NFL on Friday when he was selected by the Patriots with the 37th overall pick.
Polk, who ascended to Penix’s No. 2 option in 2023 to the tune of 1,159 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns has long been a favorite of draft analysts thanks to his smooth athleticism and willingness as a blocker. The Patriots agreed with that assessment, and he’ll now likely be one of the primary options for new quarterback Drake Maye.
A versatile receiver who spent slightly more time on the outside than in the slot, Polk will be a productive Z or slot receiver for New England. While an average separator on breaking routes, Polk is an easy vertical separator that should generate field-stretching value despite running just a 4.52 40 yard dash.