Has Ja’Lynn Polk been overshadowed by his Washington teammates?

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2024 NFL Draft prospects that could contribute to the Commanders

Ja’Lynn Polk, WR
School: Washington | Conference: PAC 12
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 22
Height / Weight: 6’1” / 190 lbs
Projected Draft Status: Rounds 2-3

Player Comp: Robert Woods

College Statistics

Player Overview

Polk began his collegiate career during the COVID-19 season at Texas Tech, where he started in seven games and was a minor piece of the offense. After transferring to the University of Washington in 2021, he was redshirted for most of his second season.

Over the course of the past two seasons, along with quarterback Michael Penix, fellow wide-outs Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan, and a star-studded cast in Seattle, he has been part of one of the best college football teams in the country. During that timeframe, he’s put up almost 2,000 yards and 15 TDs.

In 2023, he was particularly special, putting up an elite QB rating of 121.6 when targeted, helping to elevate Penix’s stock.

With the Commanders, Polk would likely play a WR2 role, focused on moving the chains and adding yards after the catch.

Strengths

• Great hands. Among the best in the draft class.
• High end possession and contested catch receiver.
• Can play both in the slot and outside.
• Excellent body control.
• Solid blocker in the run game.

Weaknesses

• Has to continue to refine his route running.
• Has mid-range long speed.
• Can have issues with press coverage.
• Lacks explosiveness.

Let’s See His Work

How He Would Fit

Based on Washington’s top 30 visits to date, it doesn’t appear that wide receiver is likely to be a top draft priority this year. But, that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. In a wide receiver class as deep as this one is, I think it would be a grave mistake not to take a shot at one.

That said, taking one in the second or third round is another matter. Washington has a lot of holes to fill, and they’re probably adequate, if uninspiring at WR, which is something they can’t say about several other position groups.

If Peters and company have sneakily prioritized gathering WR intel, perhaps by collecting it as part of their QB site visits, I believe that Polk would be a sneaky solid target. He’s had considerably less fanfare than several other Day 2 WRs, and likely top 10 pick – teammate Rome Odunze – has sucked most of the oxygen out of the University of Washington wide receiver room reviews (a third WR Jalen McMillan is also well regarded).

Adding a well-built possession receiver with top-of-the-class hands would be a welcome weapon for Washington’s newly drafted QB. Polk fits that description perfectly.