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Patriots might have struck gold when drafting Ja'Lynn Polk

2024 NFL Draft Recap: Patriots' Strategic Picks and Ja'Lynn Polk's Prospect Analysis

By Matt Sidney

Colorado v Washington
Colorado v Washington / Steph Chambers/GettyImages
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The 2024 NFL draft has concluded. Seven rounds and three days later, the NFL rookie class is set. The New England Patriots' draft was a successful one. Some will be over-critical, while others will wait for Sundays to form their opinions.

Regardless, the team came into the draft with needs in all levels of the offense and came away with a bunch of new youngsters who will help forge the successes of the Patriots for years to come.

Ja'Lynn Polk, a wide receiver out of Washington University, was selected in the second round with the 37th pick by the Patriots. Polk is coming off a season where he recorded 69 receptions, for 1,159 yards, and nine touchdowns. It was a stellar season for the Huskies' wideout. He was Washington's second option behind another NFL draft notable, Rome Odunze.

Ja'Lynn Polk figures to be a big part of the offense moving forward. Without further ado, I'd like to take an in-depth look into Polk as a prospect.

*It is important to note that the comparisons are solely based on similarities among current NFL players. The comparisons will begin and end with their respective categorical breakdowns.

NFL player comps for rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk

Size - Ja'Lynn Polk is coming into the NFL listed at 6'1" tall, weighing 203 pounds

Polk has pretty decent size for the NFL. There are several player comps with similar sizes to Polk. They range in their responsibilities, but we are solely looking at size comparisons here and nothing else. Here's a list of players who have similar sizes:

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Godwin, 6'1" 208 lbs
  2. Cleveland Browns: Jerry Jeudy, 6'1" 195 lbs
  3. Tennessee Titans: DeAndre Hopkins, 6'1" 218 lbs

Speed - Ja'Lynn Polk ran a 4.52 second 40-yard dash at the combine

While Polk doesn't offer Tyreek Hill-level speed, he does offer decent enough speed that he will still be able to beat defensive backs. The Washington product's game isn't built on speed, and the Patriots won't ask him to be the "over-the-top" burner many teams covet. Polk's game speed is much faster than his 40-time.

There are several player comps with similar 40-times as Polk. They range in their responsibilities, but we are solely looking at speed comparisons here and nothing else. Here's a list of players who posted similar speeds:

  1. Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, 4.51-second 40-yard dash
  2. Los Vegas Raiders: Davante Adams, 4.56-second 40-yard dash
  3. Philadelphia Eagles: Devonta Smith, 4.54-second 40-yard dash

Play style - a deep threat with great hands who possesses elite body control through contact

Polk figures to be a multi-role receiver who will eventually excel as an outside x-receiver. Polk will most likely start as the team's Z-receiver, being utilized in motion schemes and shining in various route trees.

There are several player comps who have similar play styles as Polk. They range in their responsibilities, but we are solely looking at play style comparisons here and nothing else. Here's a list of players who play the receiver position similarly:

  1. Green Bay Packers: Romeo Doubs, outside X-receiver
  2. Dallas Cowboys: Jalen Tolbert, outside X-receiver
  3. Kansas City Chiefs: Rashee Rice, multi-role receiver

Potential NFL impact

I really like Polk's game. His finishing ability at the catch-point and fluid route running will be his immediate NFL calling cards. Polk figures to be a starter from day dot. His connection with rookie quarterback Drake Maye will determine his ceiling, but Polk is a high-floor talent who will one day be a top second-option for the Pats.

Polk will instantly win on the outside on deep throws, providing Maye with a reliable downfield threat. He'll struggle in the beginning with separation and route running, but he'll excel in the RAC (run after catch) game.

Polk doesn't (currently) possess the skillset to be a true top-receiving option, and it doesn't feel like he has the potential to either. Regardless, I believe his ceiling is an exceptional WR2 for a team that's desperately looking for offensive playmakers. I foresee Polk having multiple 1,000-yard seasons with the ceiling of being selected to multiple pro bowls.

Call me bullish, but I think this kid is legit.

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