FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Washington receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Washington receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ja’Lynn Polk
Ja’Lynn Polk (WR – Washington)
6’2” – 204 lbs.
Background:
Texas native who originally attended Texas Tech, where he spent the 2020 season. Started seven of 10 games played and posted 28-264-2. Transferred to Washington the following year, but dislocated his clavicle in the team’s season opener and finished with just five catches on the year. Played extensively the following year, finishing with a line of 41-694-6 (16.9), and has been the team’s number-two option opposite Rome Odunze this year, with 60-1,000-8 (16.7) heading into bowl season.
Positives:
Has been a major contributor for two years, and significantly stepped up his output in 2023. Big-bodied target with a strong build, and who lined up both inside and outside for the Huskies, from tight or wide alignments (roughly forty percent of snaps out of the slot over the past two years). Plays the game with swagger. Runs a pretty wide range of routes, including crosses, overs, curls, back-shoulders, and fades. Knows how to change speeds to lull defenders. Offers a wide catch radius and the ability to pluck away from his frame. Able to go up and high-point the ball when targeted on fades near the goal line; has been a very effective contested-catch and jump-ball receiver. Good awareness and footwork near the sideline on back-shoulder throws. Settles into soft spots against zone. Tracks well and makes solid adjustments to throws. Has offered a reliable pair of hands over the past two seasons. Excellent concentration and toughness to hang on through contact. Has more quickness and elusiveness with the ball in his hands than anticipated given his size. Accelerates well once he finds a lane.
Negatives:
Has faded down the stretch after a monster start to the season. Somewhat overly dependent on the skip release. Speed is solid but not elite, and doesn’t always look like he’s going all-out. Has suddenness at the stem, but could be more consistent about sinking his hips and snapping off routes. A bit less flexible than some of the other top receivers in the class. Could be more aggressive when stalking in the run game, and doesn’t have the contact balance you’d think given his size.
Summary:
A big, well-built receiver who has shown his versatility in terms of where he aligns and what types of routes he runs. Overall, his bread and butter is his ability to use his size, length, and strength to attack throws and come down with tough catches in traffic. There may be some faster, quicker guys in the class, and some better technicians, but he’s also shown the ability to generate separation. Even though this is a relatively deep wide receiver class, appears likely to come off the board some time on the second day following a breakout 2023 campaign.
Projection: Round 2
