The second-round pick from Washington has made good first impressions in New England
FOXBOROUGH — Los New England Patriots had attempted a trade to get into the latter part of the first round of the draft last April, according to multiple sources from the NFLas a number of wide receivers began to hear their names called from the podium. Xavier Worthy of Texas went to the Kansas City Chiefs in 28th place. Ricky Pearsall of Florida He went to the San Francisco 49ers in place No. 31. Xavier Legette of South Carolinapossibly the main target in the sights of the Patriotswas taken by the Carolina Pantherswho redeemed their way to ascend to number 32. Then, Keon Coleman of Florida State It was for the Buffalo Bills on step No. 33 and Ladd McConkey of Georgia was selected by Los Angeles Chargers on step No. 34, with the Patriots leaving that shift to descend to No. 37, where they took Washington a Yes’Lynn Polk.
That’s six wide receivers in a span of 10 shifts, and watch how Polk How he measures up against others will be among the key factors determining the success of the first draft under the new regime comprised of executive vice president of personnel, Eliot Wolfand the head coach Jerod Mayo.
Ja’Lynn Polk’s toughness and relentless mentality are a good reflection of the culture the new regime hopes to create in New England. Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
It’s too early to know which direction it will take, but with the Patriots off before their first training camp workout scheduled for July 24, one thing can be said firmly about the early work of Polk: Their toughness and tireless mentality are a good reflection of the culture they hope to create Wolf y Mayo.
There is possibly no better example than the final play of the mandatory minicamp: fellow rookie quarterback Drake Mayehe threw a floated pass to the right corner of the end zone, and at 6 feet 1 inch tall and 203 pounds, Polk kept the ball despite tight coverage from the undrafted rookie cornerback Mikey Victormaintaining possession as he collided with the ground, with officials determining he was inbounds.
It was a massive effort in one of the most important situations in spring training, with a loud reaction from the defense to reflect it. The play Polk It came as no surprise to those who have seen him before, dating back to his time at Lufkin High School in Texas.
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“One of the things I first saw in Yes, Lynn It was how tough he was for a wide receiver, physical coming in and out on cuts, physical at the line of scrimmage, and making competitive catches,” he described. Matt Wellsan associate head coach at Kansas State and former head coach of Texas Tech who recruited Polk for his first college season, before he transferred to Washington“I just thought the competitive spirit in him — for a third-year high school player — was a 10.”
Wells He noted that “toughness, discipline and responsibility” were part of the DNA of many players in the head coach’s program. Todd Quick in Lufkin, including Polk. Lufkin It is also the high school where former wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys, Dez Bryant‘.
Polk transferred from Texas Tech after one season, in part due to offensive coaching changes, and carried the same mentality to WashingtonLast season was his most productive — totaling 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns — and the first-year wide receivers coach Patriots, Tyler Hughessaw it firsthand while serving as an assistant with the Huskies. That has given him Hughes a unique window to the transition of Polk to the NFL.
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“He’s got a really good work ethic, and a process that he sticks to every day. He’s been good about it. I think his improvement has come from learning our system and playbook and how his skill set fits into all of that,” he said. Hughes.
“Like any new player coming in, you have some things that you’ve done in the past that have been really good for you — you’ve got to use that — but you also need to be open-minded and say, ‘Where else do I need to improve?’ because obviously players are a little bit better and a little bit faster. He’s done a good job of saying, ‘This is what I know, this is what I need to work on,’ and he’s worked on it every day.”
Polk has the opportunity to create an immediate niche for itself in the group of recipients of the Patriots. His additional work with Intoxication After practice, among other things, they had Mayo referring to it as a “self-holder.”
The former player of the Minnesota Vikings, K.J. Osbornin its fifth season of NFLhas positioned himself as the early leader among wide receivers for the Patriots; for example, he was usually the first to perform drills. The second-year slot receiver DeMario Douglas looks as fast as ever. Add to that Polkand those could be the club’s three main goals, if everyone stays healthy.
The fourth round pick, Javon Baker of Central Floridamust also have a squad place, while the one chosen in the second round of 2022, Tyquan Thorntonthe sixth-round pick in 2023, Kayshon Boutteand the veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster y Jalen Reagorall made plays at times this spring, serving as a reminder that they can’t be counted out — yet.
And, it is expected that Kendrick Bourne be healthy in his return from a torn ACL, as part of the rotation, too.
Polkwearing the No. 1 jersey last used by Cam Newtonpractice with something to try. In one drill, he almost walks into a reporter’s camera as he chases a ball in the end zone of the end zone. Why stop the momentum of someone who is going full speed, all the time?
“Just competing, every day,” he said. Polk“I feel like it’s always about your preparation, how you’re receiving the information that’s given to you, being a professional, and giving it your all on the field consistently. That’s what they’re looking for.”
2024-07-02 00:58:44
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