The New England Patriots got their receiver.
After trading down from No. 34 overall, the Patriots came back up on the clock and selected Washington receiver Ja’Lynn Polk with the No. 37 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
Polk should add a boost to the Patriots’ ability to work outside the numbers due to his size and ability to consistently win in contested catch situations. It should be noted that Texas’ Adonai Mitchell was still on the draft board when this pick was made, which should raise some eyebrows.
However, Polk’s big-play ability was probably intriguing for the Patriots, particularly with rookie quarterback Drake Maye under center.
Maye’s deep balls are phenomenal, and the Patriots lacked the receiving weapons capable of stretching the field. DeVante Parker was the team’s deep threat receiver last season, but he has since been released and signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Tyquan Thornton still struggling to break out, the Patriots needed a big receiving target to keep defenses honest. Hopefully, Polk can be that player for them.