During his time with the Washington Huskies, Ja’Lynn Polk never emerged as the No. 1 target for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but he has a chance to do that at the NFL level. The New England Patriots chose Polk high in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft and even if he doesn’t begin the year as a starter, the sure-handed wide receiver will receive a hefty target share from quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.
The Athletic’s Chad Graff agrees and highlighted Polk’s ability as a route runner and prowess at making tough catches in traffic as reasons he could succeed quickly at the NFL level.
“Polk’s background suggests he’s ready for the pro game right away,” Graff said. “He’s not one of the receivers drafted before him who relies only on speed to win battles and needs time to refine his route running. Polk had success at all three levels at Washington. He also bailed out his offense by making some difficult catches. That’s good for this Patriots offense that is likely to start Jacoby Brissett or Maye behind an iffy offensive line.”
Polk doesn’t need to worry about stretching the field too much, since he has shown that he can make those contested catches downfield, and he also has some burners alongside him. Veterans Kendrick Bourne and KJ Osborn both have the ability to win vertically, which could open up a lot of room underneath for the rookie and allow him to lead the Patriots in catches and targets as a rookie.