Ja'Lynn Polk Gets Rave Reviews from NFL Fans as Patriots Draft WR Help for Drake Maye

The New England Patriots began the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk at No. 37.

After serving as a top target for Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, Polk will now get the chance to catch passes from newly-drafted Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Polk made 69 catches for 1,159 receiving yards while recording 10 total touchdowns during his third season with the Huskies.

The Patriots initially held the No. 34 pick, but traded down with the Los Angeles Chargers to No. 37. The Chargers used the higher pick to draft Georgie wideout Ladd McConkey.

The Bills also drafted a wide receiver with the No. 33 pick, marking three wide receivers selected in the first five picks of Friday's second round.

That followed record-tying demand for receivers Thursday night, when seven wide receivers were selected in the first round for the second time in NFL history.

Although nine receivers were already off the board by the time the Patriots snagged Polk, analysts projected the former Washington receiver as a good fit with Maye and the Patriots.

Some speculated Polk could eventually slot into the Patriots lineup as a WR1.

Polk recorded more than 1,000 yards in his final college season despite playing alongside other NFL-caliber receivers in the room with Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan.

Being able to succeed among that competition will serve him well as he looks to establish himself on a rebuilding Patriots team this fall.

Now the Patriots will turn to finding more help for Maye later in the draft. New England is next slated to pick in the fourth round at No. 68.

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