FOXBORO, Mass. — With Bill Belichick out of the picture, New England Patriots rookies no longer are “ignoring the noise,” a core Belichick tenet.
Exhibit A: rookie receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
A second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Polk has put together an impressive first training camp in New England. And he’s not alone, as the Patriots’ receiving corps was a pleasant surprise in the first nine camp practices. Polk believes the group is better than advertised and is eager to prove Patriots haters wrong.
Ja’Lynn Polk Knows What People Are Saying About Patriots
Polk knows much isn’t expected from the Patriots’ wideout group, which is led by two rookies, a diminutive second-year slot, and a pair of good-not-great veterans, one of which is rehabbing a torn ACL.
The group’s floor is low. But the ceiling is much higher than many realize, with Polk among those showing that New England has receiver talent that fans can invest in.
Polk is confident that the narrative surrounding Patriots receivers will soon change. He just doesn’t want frauds to join the bandwagon.
“I keep notes on everything,” the 22-year-old said after a recent practice. “I see all the stuff that they put out there about us. Our main focus is on what we’ve got to do, and if you’re not with us right now, when it’s all said and done, don’t get on the train.
” … If you’re not with us right now, stay where you’re at. Because when things get rolling, things get turned around, don’t hop on the train.”
Patriots Receivers Have Exceeded Expectations in Training Camp
Except for Kendrick Bourne, who missed the first nine practices due to his ACL recovery, each member of the Patriots’ projected receiver depth chart has stood out in camp.
Polk has been impressively consistent, blending sure hands with savvy route running and sneaky athleticism. He’s like a souped-up Jakobi Meyers — which is a compliment.
Fellow rookie Javon Baker has displayed big-play potential and arguably is the most talented receiver in the room. He’s a wild card with off-field concerns, but if he pops, he could be a difference-maker.
Based on @SharpFootball and @Doug_Analytics speculation on the color codes, the Giants had:
Drake Maye: all-around good leader, teammate, person
Javon Baker: character concerns
Jaheim Bell: character concerns
Joe Milton the only draft pick coded yellow. Unclear why https://t.co/Z4moaYitU4
— Dakota Randall (@DakRandall) July 31, 2024
DeMario Douglas sat out of team drills for the first seven practices due to a left hand injury but fully participated in the last two — and what a difference he made. The second-year slot weapon is a game-changer for Patriots quarterbacks.
K.J. Osborn, relatively disappointing early in camp, showed signs of life over the last few practices, especially when Jacoby Brissett was at quarterback. He should be a serviceable replacement for Bourne.
Even the roster-bubble receivers have done well, with Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Reagor, and Kayshon Boutte all making cases for roster spots. JuJu Smith-Schuster has been a different story, however — not in a good way.
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Still, it’s one thing to show out in training camp, when even fully padded practices are light on real contact, but it’s another thing to perform well in the regular season. Furthermore, Patriots receivers won’t do anything if the play-calling, quarterback play, and pass protection aren’t up to snuff.
Nevertheless, Polk believes New England’s wideout group is ready for showtime.
“Our expectation is high within our group and what we’re trying to do,” Polk said. “We’re going to do what we’ve got to do each and every day to get better, and when it’s time and those lights go on, the show’s going to get to rocking.”
Polk Has Big Fan in Jerod Mayo
Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo gave Polk a glowing review last week.
“I’ll tell you this: I’ve been a huge fan of Polk since scouting all those other players,” Mayo said during a pre-practice news conference. “He’s just one of those guys that, when he puts the pads on, he’s that much better. He does the dirty work. He also can run great routes, has great hands.
“He’s one of those all-around players that you want to build your team around, and I would also say he does flash some leadership ability, which I definitely appreciate.”
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Expectations for Polk should be tempered, as he’s playing for a rebuilding offense with uncertainty at quarterback. He also doesn’t have the kind of flashy traits that could produce gaudy stats and viral highlights.
But Mayo is genuinely high on him, and Patriots fans should be, too.
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