Patriots training camp candidates: WR Ja’Lynn Polk originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Each day this week we’ll take a look at a player who could emerge from relative obscurity during Patriots training camp. With training scheduled to start next week, especially with a new coaching staff in place, this part of the NFL calendar represents opportunities for everyone on Jerod Mayo’s roster. But there are always some who take a “leap” at this time of year – some expected, others not.
We’ll continue this five-day series with rookie receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
The measurables
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Polk has enough size to be deployed in a variety of scenarios, but his frame isn’t necessarily overpowering. His time of 4.52 seconds at this year’s combine was also relatively pedestrian. But his body control in contested situations and his willingness to work in the middle of the field helped him rack up 69 receptions for 1,159 yards in his final season in Washington. He also scored nine touchdowns at the goal line for the Huskies last year.
They said that
“He’s one of those guys who’s not afraid to do the dirty work,” Jerod Mayo said of Polk after the wideout was drafted by New England early in the second round.
“When you talk about the dirty work, obviously we have a good set of defenders. But sometimes you need those receivers to get out there and look for support, and he does that at a very high level.”
Why the possible breakup?
Although Polk’s ability to do the little things – blocking in the run game, understanding multiple roles in the receiver room, etc. – is important. – is important to Mayo and the Patriots, it’s worth reiterating that his talent level at the position could soon make him a must-have option in Foxboro. Maybe he’ll settle into that aspect before camp ends.
During mandatory minicamp practices, Polk presented himself as the most impactful pass catcher on the field. On Day 1, he caught a touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett on an 11-on-11 effort and caught another on a 7-on-7 action when Brissett caught him in a crowd in the back of the end zone.
On Day 2, Polk was back. Brissett found him in the back of the end zone on an 11-on-11 effort for a touchdown that Polk celebrated vehemently. Maye later hit Polk with the touchdown at the end of practice that forced the Patriots defense to repeat pushups like the losers of that particular scenario. He was able to track the ball while adjusting to it and diving into the grass to grab the ball, which was the highlight of the week.
“There’s one second left,” Polk said of that particular repeat. “Game over… Going up there and making a play for my team… I knew I was in.
Polk came as advertised to those on the Patriots staff who got to know him before taking him in the second round of the draft. He embraced the constant installation of Alex Van Pelt’s manual, showing a good understanding of the broad menu of parts presented to him in late spring.
It’s great for Polk to be a do-all-the-little-things type of player – tough, a willing blocker, etc. – but it has been pointed out to me by those at One Patriots Place that he has some high-end physical skills that make them believe he will soon be more than an actor in the receiving room.
