The New England Patriots are hoping they have found their quarterback of the future in the 2024 NFL Draft. With the No. 3 overall pick, New England selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.
The Patriots have been unsuccessful in filling the massive shoes left by Tom Brady’s departure in 2020 as a free agent. Mac Jones, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, flamed out after three seasons and was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason.
New England is hopeful that Maye can fulfill their need for a quarterback. But, for Maye to find success, the Patriots needed to upgrade the weapons around him. Their wide receiver group in recent years has been amongst the most underwhelming in the NFL.
But, they are hoping that will change sooner than later. In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they took steps to ensure that it would. With the fifth pick of the round, No. 37 overall, the Patriots selected Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.
The early part of the draft has been dominated by former Huskies. Polk is the fifth Washington player to hear their name called within the first 37 picks. A former NFL executive who spoke to NFL Analysis Network loves Polk’s fit in New England, as they believe the Patriots are getting excellent value.
“In a lot of draft classes, Ja’Lynn Polk would have been a first-round pick. This was a deep draft. In my opinion, the Patriots got first-round talent with this second-round selection. He’ll be a big-time weapon for Drake Maye.”
Last season’s leading receiver for the Patriots, Kendrick Bourne, is coming off a torn ACL. DeVante Parker was moved on from earlier this offseason, leaving a potentially huge void atop the depth chart alongside JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Polk should develop into a go-to receiver for Maye in no time. He is excellent in contested catch and 50/50 situations while providing some burst to produce after the catch as well. In need of playmakers offensively, Polk will have a chance to make an impact right away.
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