Ja’Lynn Polk, a wide receiver for the Washington Huskies, visited Lufkin High School in Lufkin, Texas, to talk with current student-athletes about his future playing career prior to the New England Patriots selecting him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In an interview with Keagan Stiefel of NESN, Todd Quick, the head coach of the Lufkin football team, described Polk’s visit as follows: “He told the kids, ‘Mark it down, I will win a Super Bowl and I will be All-Pro.” “His goals are lofty, but they’re goals he can reach.
Drake Maye, a quarterback, was chosen by New England with the third overall choice. In the fourth round, receiver Javon Baker was selected.
Mike Reiss of ESPN oversaw the weekend, highlighting how Deion Branch, a former Patriots receiver and the recipient of the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award, described how “it’s super valuable” for New England to have Polk, Maye, and Baker grow together from spring workouts through the first few professional seasons at the very least.
Polk began his career with the Washington Red Raiders, but he was coached by Joel Filani at wide receiver for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Filani compared Polk to two of the top players at the position in the NFL during a conversation with Stiefel.
Regarding Polk, Filani remarked, “He’s just so strong and can control his body.” “He has enough separation to make contested catches while still allowing the quarterback to get the ball to him.
He wants to be No. 1. I know that. He’s working toward it, and while there are only so many players like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, there are guys like Stefon Diggs who refuse to settle for second place. He seems to be vying for the top slot, and I believe he will go for it.”
The Patriots don’t seem to be in a rush to trade for a high-profile target before training camp, and they don’t currently have a proven No. 1 receiver. Although it’s uncertain whether seasoned quarterback Maye or Jacoby Brissett will start the 2018 season as New England’s QB1, Polk will have plenty of opportunity over the next few months to develop a rapport with both signal-callers.
