Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk will be a strong contributor in the NFL

Ja’Lynn Polk is a high-floor player that could be a major contributor in the NFL for whatever team that decides to draft him in April.

Former Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk was an important piece of coach Kalen DeBoer’s offense following an injury that sidelined Jalen McMillan for nearly two months. As quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s second target, Polk reeled in 69 catches for 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns and adding a rushing score.

After mainly playing in the slot in 2022, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb asked Polk to line up on the outside more in 2023. Not only did Polk showcase his strong hands and the ability to take hits over the middle of the field, but he also displayed a work ethic that he believes sets him apart from most other receivers.

“I’m different. That’s how I carry myself,” Polk told the media at the NFL combine. “Everybody’s always doing the same thing, but for me, I’m always trying to find ways that I can separate myself. I try to do that each and every day, crafting everyday, trying to be different.”

“For example, before the Oregon game in the Pac-12 Championship – coach [JaMarcus Shephard] can vouch for me – I went out on the field and I’m catching JUGS and I’m trying to make sure I’m ready for when that moment comes. When the lights go off, I’m still out there catching JUGS. So you know, just small things like that, getting in early, trying to make sure that I’m dialed in on the script and ready to go.”

That’s something that wasn’t limited to the Pac-12 championship game, which any member of Washington’s media can attest to.

At the end of every practice, while coaches and players were giving interviews, Polk was always the last person on the field, spending an extra 15-20 minutes with the JUGS machine working on his hands, which showed up in big moments for the Huskies and should continue in the NFL.

Polk has one of the highest floors of any receiver in this draft and has the ability to put up solid numbers right away at the next level between his reliability and ability as a route runner.

In an offense where he can consistently be utilized as a security blanket for his quarterback, Polk could have a long, productive career in the NFL.