Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
Size:
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 203 pounds
Arm Length: 31 3/4"
Hand Size: 9 3/4"
Accomplishments:
Third Team Freshman All-America (2022)
“Ja’Lynn Polk is a talented wide receiver with the speed, run-after-the-catch ability, and ball skills to be an impactful contributor to an NFL offense.”
Strengths:
Catch-point merchant
Great at tracking football
Body control
Late and strong hands
Concerns:
Route-running nuance
Facing press-coverage
YAC
Film Analysis:
One of the first things I noticed when studying Ja’Lynn Polk was his competitiveness. He believes every pass belongs to him and plays with that possessive mentality. He is aggressive at the catch point and plays above the rim well. He attacks the ball with full extension and the full use of his frame and limbs. He has converted 51% of his contested catches into receptions. Polk has strong hand-eye coordination that allows him to make these tightly contested catches look routine.
Polk’s play speed is sufficient and effective at being a reliable deep-threat receiver. His average depth of target hovers around 13-15 yards over the last three seasons. With free releases, he can gear up to top speed and glide past flat-footed defenders down the field. Deep overs, posts, and double moves allow him to attack single coverage down the field. Polk possesses a strong burst after the catch to gain additional yardage. I love how patient and late Polk’s hands are as the football arrives. He doesn’t give the DB many keys to turn and locate the football.
Polk is not the most nuanced route-runner. He is solid and above average, but there can be struggles versus tight man coverage at the next level. Polk gives slight tells, detailing when he is preparing to gear down or break at the top of his route. There are moments of wasted movements that can be cleaned up or sharpened with coaching. Defeating handsy CBs in the contact window is underwhelming.
Overall, Polk projects as a starting WR2/3 for an offense with a versatile role. He can align in multiple WR positions and be effective. Polk has some possession receiver vibes to his game. He compares to Robert Woods. If placed in stacked and bunch sets, he will have an easier path to success.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Michigan (2023), Michigan State (2023), Texas (2023), Arizona (2023), Oregon (2023)
