The 2024 NFL Draft is less than 10 days away. We take a look at Washington wide receiver Ja’lynn Polk, a very reliable and tough player in the slot.
247 Sports had Polk rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school in Lufkin, Texas. He committed to (and signed with) Texas Tech before transferring to Washington following his true Freshman season.
Polk earned third-team Freshman All-American honors from College Football News during his first season at Washington. He went on to compile a total of 2,231 yards, 143 receptions, and 18 touchdowns while finishing his final year in school with 1,159 yards. This ranks sixth all-time in a single season at Washington.
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Ja’lynn Polk, Wide Receiver, Washington
Name: Ja’lynn Polk
Jersey: No. 2
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Washington
Class: Redshirt Junior
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 203 lbs.
Ja’lynn Polk’s Strengths
Polk’s competitiveness jumps off the screen while watching him. He is more than willing to do the dirty work in an offense and possesses the NFL body type necessary to do so. Whether in the box blocking a linebacker or on the edge on a screen, he gets the job done. Polk possesses strong hands through contact and always catches the ball away from his body. He also displays confidence as a pass-catcher by keeping his speed through the catch point.
He is very slippery using dips, swims, and sheer physicality to get around defenders trying to jam him. His quick feet and great deceleration allow him to stop on a dime very efficiently. Great vision as a ball carrier. Reads blocks well and allows them to develop before heading upfield.
Ja’Lynn Polk’s Weaknesses
Polk doesn’t have the high-end athleticism and speed to consistently separate versus man coverage. Many cases of defenders sticking to him down the field. Not a very nuanced route runner. Very limited route tree in college and did not show great change of direction.
Pro Comparison: Robert Woods
Woods and Polk are both gritty, tough slot guys who are willing to do the dirty work in the run game and over the middle of the field.
Draft Projection: Day 2 Pick
Teams might not be comfortable lining up Polk outside, but he can be a reliable slot in the league. He can contribute in a variety of different ways with his excellent blocking, reliable hands, and overall toughness on the field. He lacks the top-end athleticism to make explosive plays on the perimeter, but put him in the slot and he can give you high-quality reps week in and week out.
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