I wouldn’t have minded him in the 3rd. He’s going to be a 50/50 ball kind of guy in the pros, IMO.I liked Polk... later
I wouldn’t have minded him in the 3rd. He’s going to be a 50/50 ball kind of guy in the pros, IMO.I liked Polk... later
I would like to see them grab another guy later, like Luke McCaffreyI wouldn’t have minded him in the 3rd. He’s going to be a 50/50 ball kind of guy in the pros, IMO.
Not another N'Keal, is he?I wouldn’t have minded him in the 3rd. He’s going to be a 50/50 ball kind of guy in the pros, IMO.
Scouting report makes him sound like one:Not another N'Keal, is he?
Overview
Wideout with good size who posted a productive final season to build upon during the draft process. 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.
That’s who I would comp him to. Slightly more athletic.Not another N'Keal, is he?
He’s basically going to be someone who feasts on zone. Washington got him a lot of free releases that aren’t going to happen at the pro level. I worry that he will have trouble releasing against man at this level.
Kraft knows what's he's doing.He’s basically going to be someone who feasts on zone. Washington got him a lot of free releases that aren’t going to happen at the pro level. I worry that he will have trouble releasing against man at this level.
COMBINE 6013 203 9 3/4 31 3/4 74 1/2 4.52 2.65 1.59 37 1/2 10’9” - - - (no shuttle, 3-cone, bench press — choice)PRO DAY 6012 204 10 31 3/4 74 - - - - - - - - (position drills only — choice)STRENGTHS: Owns decent size and length, and he makes himself a sizable target … above-average focus and naturally tracks the ball over his shoulder on fades andbucket throws … routinely bails out the quarterback with his full-extension adjustments to the ball in flight … runs well with speed releases versus press and theacceleration to stack and get on top of coverage … not afraid to work over the middle and shows urgency in the quick game … you’ll love his mentality as a blocker(had several key blocks on Rome Odunze’s punt-return touchdown against Cal in 2023) … Washington coaching staff speaks highly of his work ethic and dailyapproach, in both practices and games (head coach Kalen DeBoer: “J.P. is one of the toughest and strongest kids we have on the football team.”) … experienced liningup across the formation … stepped up his production in 2023.WEAKNESSES: Needs continued route work to convincingly sell vertical stem … average separation quickness and lacks explosiveness at the break point … comes offthe line tall, and physical corners will stall him early … doesn’t have the elusive qualities to easily shake tacklers and create YAC … reliable hands-catcher butinconsistent finishing in a crowd … needs to show better awareness for where the sticks are … suffered a fractured clavicle i n his right collarbone during the 2021season opener (September 2021), which required surgery and forced him to miss the next nine games (returned for the final two games).SUMMARY: A three-year starter at Washington, Polk lined up both inside and outside in former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s spread scheme (58.7 percentwide, 41.1 percent slot). After one season at Texas Tech, his production steadily increased during each of his three seasons with Washington, including a career yearin 2023 as the secondary option (behind Odunze) for Michael Penix Jr. With his adjustment skills and hand -eye coordination, Polk doesn’t require perfect ballplacement when targeted, regardless of the route or depth. He can comfortably gear up and down, but he needs to fine tune his press and break-point skills. Overall,Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is natural athlete addressing the football, with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potentialNFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he was coming out of Tennessee.GRADE: 3rd Round (No. 74 overall)
I hear ya. I’m trying to look at the positives, good size and speed, not impressive but solid. His hands and catch radius though seem like his best attributesHe’s basically going to be someone who feasts on zone. Washington got him a lot of free releases that aren’t going to happen at the pro level. I worry that he will have trouble releasing against man at this level.