WR ja’lynn polk – University of washington
6-FOOT-1 | 203LBS
Career Stats: 143REC 2,231YD 18TD – 5rush 47yd 1td
Pros
One of Polk’s best attributes are his hands. He pairs strong hands and a long frame to beat man coverage more often than not. Catching balls from Michael Penix, Jr. gave Polk a tremendous opportunity to display his ability to effectively fight through routes and catch passes at the outside of his broad radius.
As Polk works across all levels of the field, he naturally contorts his body to make more difficult catches seem ordinary. Whether he is working over the middle or along the sideline, Polk is able to sync up well with his QB and pair strong hands with top-tier ball tracking skills. It is his toughness and willingness to put his body on the line to make the catch that will give his NFL QB confidence in throwing his direction.
An under-appreciated skill is versatility, and Polk worked all over the field at Washington. Polk was frequently put in motion either to most often provide a free release or less frequently display his RAC ability on a screen pass. Regardless of where he lines up, Polk shows an ability to consistently catch passes across the middle, on out-breaking routes and in one-on-one coverage in the red zone.
Cons
Polk creates separation with his crafty route running and physicality but not so much his long speed. Polk’s 40 yard dash (4.52) does not strike fear into the eyes of more athletic NFL defensive backs; however, his speed is sufficient as he continues to sharpen his ancillary receiving skills.
As noted Polk thrives in man coverage, consistently winning at the catch point using physicality and instinctive ball-tracking skills. However, against zone coverage Polk blends in at times instead of finding gaps for his QB to exploit. While receivers may thrive against either man or zone coverage, Polk would look to improve his navigation of zone coverages to compensate for his average long speed.
To go along with average long speed, Polk does not have elite burst when coming off the line of scrimmage. During his time at Washington, Polk thrived in when motion or with concepts that created space for him following the snap. Polk plays with physicality to work through press coverage; however, without the requisite burst his routes could take longer to develop at the NFL level.
Embed from Getty ImagesSummary
Ja’Lynn Polk is a well-built, sure-handed, versatile receiver whose shine should not be dimmed despite playing second fiddle to Washington’s leading receiver Rome Odunze. Where he is limited in long speed and burst off the line of scrimmage, he more than makes up for it with his ball tracking and body control.
Polk completed his final two collegiate seasons with 110 receptions, 1,853 receiving yards and 15 receiving TD’s. Highlighting his versatility as a receiver, Polk worked primarily as the move and outside receiver; although, he was also utilized in screens and few opportunities as a runner.
As far as rookie rankings Polk is my WR-7 with not much expectation to move up or down regardless of landing spot and draft capital. I believe in his talent and versatility but do not see him as the WR-1 in an NFL offense. A few landing spots considering fit and need include the Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.
Strengths
- Hands & Contested Catch Ability
- Ball-Tracking & Body Control
- Versatility Playing At Each Receiver Spot (Despite Thriving As Move/Flanker)
Concerns
- Long Speed To Separate Vertically
- Navigating Zone Coverage
- Explosiveness Off Line of Scrimmage
2024 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid-2nd Round Pick
Ideal Role: Outside Or Move Receiver (Versatile)
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