Patriots select Washington WR Ja’Lynn Polk with No. 37 pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Polk reeled in 69 catches for 1,159 yards and eight touchdowns last season with Washington.

Polk reeled in 69 catches for 1,159 yards and eight touchdowns last season. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

April 26, 2024

1 minute to read

The Patriots have added a new pass-catching target for Drake Maye.

With the No. 37 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk — giving them another potential playmaker on a revamped offense.

Pickin' Polk!

Welcome to New England, @jpolk_22! pic.twitter.com/Xu8toiXxRb
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 26, 2024

Polk lined up all over the field for a Michael Penix-led offense in 2023, catching 69 balls for 1,159 yards and eight touchdowns. Polk has good size at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, and was able to pick apart defenses as the Huskies’ No. 2 wideout behind Rome Odunze.

You want to draft someone outside of the first round who attacks the ball at the catch point and has strong mitts? Ja'Lynn Polk from Washington is that guy. pic.twitter.com/i47e0A8oEn
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 22, 2024

The Patriots originally were set to pick No. 34 overall, but they traded that second-round selection and their No. 137 overall pick to the Chargers — moving down three spots in the second round but also gaining the No. 110 pick. Los Angeles used that No. 34 selection to add Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

Along with turning a fifth-round selection (No. 137) into a fourth-round pick (No. 110), the Patriots were still able to add value in a versatile and tough wideout like Polk.

“Wideout with good size who posted a productive final season to build upon during the draft process,” NFL Draft analyst Lance Zierlein said of Polk. “Polk might not have the early acceleration to overtake and stack NFL press corners. He also lacks ideal suddenness getting in and out of his breaks as a route runner. He runs routes with consistent pace — including through his stems and turns — which can create some freedom.

“However, Polk shines once the ball goes up. He can carve out space near the boundary, catch with strong hands when contested and track and finish when he heads deep. Polk’s speed proved slightly below average at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his other numbers were strong enough for him to receive consideration starting late on Day 2 of the draft.”

After adding Polk, the Patriots will be back on the clock with the No. 68 pick in the third round.