Ja’Lynn Polk Catches Most Everything

Washington Huskies wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk gets lost on 2022 film with the other talented receivers on their roster, but make no mistake, he has a good skill set that’s all his own.

He also can take the top off a defense.

It’s for that reason he has to be taken seriously as we approach the 2024 NFL Draft.

There are still a couple of things keeping me from mocking him into the first-round, but he did enough to put him on my ‘first-round’ watch list when I go back through and evaluate the 2023 film.

What are the chances he lands on my final first-round board?

It’s a flip of a coin at this point.

He did flash some of the needed characteristics and he did look dynamic at times, which caught my attention. As my scouting mentor taught me, “Stick with the dynamic ones.”

Accelerates toward the ball

This is a big when it comes to receivers.

To even be thought of as a possible first-round prospect, a receiver needs to show that elite second gear that allows him to burst toward the ball.

Polk has that.

Why is that important?

It allows him to make his move on the ball at the route break point and accelerate, which leaves the corner in the dust as he explodes toward the ball. This creates the necessary throwing window for him to gain separation and make the grab.

Smooth and crafty route runner

Polk is a good route runner and he looks smooth running his routes. He’s a natural long strider who reminds me of former Bills’ legendary receiver Andre Reed and former Packers legendary receiver, James Lofton. There’s also some (WR) Romeo Doubs (Packers) to his game.

That’s some good company to be in.

Trust me, I like Polk.

The cool thing about this Huskies receiver is he has the size, speed, and athleticism to be considered a true No. 1 receiver at the next level on a roster. He showed he is a threat at all three route levels (short, intermediate, and deep).

Fairly Dependable

Polk also has decent hands, which is the most important characteristic a wide receiver can have. I mean what difference does it make if a receiver struggles to catch the ball like Chargers 2023 first-round pick, Quentin Johnston?

This Huskies receiver also has a nice catch radius, which enables him to reach up and confidently catch high passes coming in hot and go down low to make receptions. Even the television announcer said, “He has made a bunch of tough catches in 2022.”

-2022 targeted 68 times and made 41 receptions (60% catch rate).

-2023 targeted 86 times and made 55 receptions (64% catch rate).

What’s the problem then?

Polk struggles to make heavily contested catches further downfield.

That’s my top concern.

It seems like he mistimes his jumps on 50-50 balls.

He’s also nothing to write home about picking up additional yardage after the catch short-range and I don’t like he doesn’t run all of his routes with the same get up and go if he’s not the intended receiver.

#2 Ja’Lynn Polk 6-foot-2, 204 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Fall 2023 Grade: Second-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 5.8% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of November 21, 2023 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2022): Oregon, UCLA, Michigan State, Stanford, Oregon State, and Washington State (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

2022 stats: 41 catches for 694 yards (16.9 avg), 6 touchdowns, 76-long

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Lanky and accomplished route runner with strong hands and he’s a legitimate deep threat who can get behind cornerbacks. Natural looking receiver. Long arms. Can take a pitch or motion pre-snap. Does show a touch of rigidity. Creates throwing windows well. Excellent concentration. Looks the ball into his hands in traffic areas. Solid blocker who can get aggressive at times.

What to watch for during the 2023 college football season

1. Contested catches?

2. Picking up additional yardage after short catches?

3. Same effort level if he is the intended receiver or not?

4. Maintaining himself as a legit deep threat?

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.