New Patriots receiver is compared to former fan favorite

Since it was announced the Patriots were selecting receiver Ja'Lynn Polk in the 2024 NFL Draft, the reactions have been either very positive or the complete opposite with almost nothing inbetween.

Because many had already set their hearts on other receivers to land in New England, mainly Ladd McConkey or Adonai Mitchell, they weren't exactly thrilled when the team chose to pass on them both and instead selected Polk.

Despite the lack of enthusiasm, the University of Washington alum was still considered one of the best receivers of this year's class and is expected to be a solid addition to the Patriots roster this upcoming season.

Some still have their doubts, of course, but the latest comp for Polk might change their mind.

Ja'Lynn Polk is compared to Jakobi Meyers by AFC executive

An easy way to win Patriots fans over is to compare a new player to an old favorite, especially one that the fanbase is still collectively mourning the loss of.

That's what NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry did not long after Polk was drafted, revealing what an AFC executive said about his view on Polk's potential.

Besides the overall excellent assessment, the comparison to Jakobi Meyers will surely make fans happy. Bill Belichick's incomprehensible decision to let the talented receiver leave in free agency and ultimately sign with the Raiders and instead sign JuJu Smith-Schuster last year remains questionable to this day.

So, if Polk can bring the type of production Meyers did during his four years in Foxboro, it's hard to wish a different player had been drafted instead.

He had become an integral part of the Patriots' offense and really broke out over his last two seasons with the team. In 2022 and 2023, Meyers recorded 150 receptions for 1,670 yards and eight touchdowns, instantly becoming the WR1 after barely finding a role within the team.

It's incredible to hear that Polk plays similarly to one of the top players to fit the "the one that got away" feeling. It could be the best way possible to get a Meyers-like player on the team if they can't have the real Jakobi himself.

It brings even more excitement about the 2024 offense, which was already piping hot with the additions of Drake Maye and Javon Baker. Now, we can add Polk to that list, too.

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