KC Chiefs 2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk
The 2024 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and the Kansas City Chiefs are seeking yet another quality haul from general manager Brett Veach.
In recent seasons, Veach and his staff have used the draft to bring in cost-controlled young talents to insulate a championship roster. The results speak for themselves, although windows can close quickly. Kansas City hopes that a good 2024 rookie class joining one of football's younger teams can keep the franchise in top competitive form.
With the draft on the horizon, Arrowhead Report is taking a look at prospects who could hear their names called in late April. Up next is Washington wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk.
Background
- Height: 6013
- Weight: 203
- Age: 21
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.77
- 2023: 69 receptions, 1,159 yards and 9 touchdowns
- Played final three seasons at Washington after debut at Texas Tech
Where Polk creates advantages
One of the main things that stands out on tape is how reliable Polk can be. He has elite hands, great body control and a knack for high-pointing the football and coming down with tough catches. While not necessarily a tall receiver, he certainly makes the most of his catch radius. He plucks the football out of the air. Polk plays with solid strength and maintains nice contact balance throughout the rep.
Athletically, Polk is above average but not elite. At and near the line of scrimmage, he possesses decent burst and the ability to get going quickly post-catch for additional yards. As a route runner, the Washington product runs a relatively advanced route tree and should do so in the NFL. He also has good spatial awareness and can throttle down and settle into windows for his quarterback to throw into. Polk should tease some alignment versatility at the next level.
Where Polk could be at a disadvantage
Back to Polk not being a tremendous athlete — it shows up in his film. His long speed is merely respectable, as evidenced by his 4.52-second 40-yard dash. His short-area acceleration is in the same ballpark (1.59-second 10-yard split); Polk is a more impressive vertical athlete than an agile freak of nature or burner. Hip fluidity is another area that could use some work, although some prospects simply don't have the upside to improve that too much.
Getting jammed and/or slowed down at the point of attack near the line is something Polk will need to hone in on avoiding. He could greatly benefit from one more step in his release package. Polk, a sturdy receiver, should fight aggressive cornerbacks with physical hand-fighting and precise placement to knock them out of rhythm. Occasional effort or concentration lapses were noticed when watching him.
The verdict
The 2024 NFL Draft possesses some of the best receiver talent in recent memory. While teams like the Chiefs won't be competing for top names, that next tier or two absolutely could come into play for them. There are double-digit intriguing options for the first round; the process of elimination and normal draft tendencies suggest that Kansas City will have a quality wideout to choose from.
Polk may not be the flashiest of receivers, but he's quite solid. He should be a field general's best friend in the NFL due to his understanding of route concepts and ability to win at the catch point. Polk is one of the more NFL-ready receivers in the early-round range despite not possessing a standout athletic profile or many downright elite traits. He offers true chain-moving upside with a bit of versatility and the possibility of the rare splash play.
Where should Polk get drafted? He receives a round-two grade here, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be considered near the end of the draft's opening round. Teams don't carry a full allotment of first-round grades. If more receivers fall off the board than the Chiefs expect and Polk is still there at No. 32 overall, they could do much worse than adding him into the fold. He'd likely become a quick favorite of head coach Andy Reid and company.
