Coming into the 2024 NFL offseason, the New England Patriots had a few clear needs on their roster. Most of those needs were on the offensive side of the ball where they are still trying to overcome the loss of Tom Brady.
2021 first-round pick Mac Jones did not pan out as they traded him to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason. Drake Maye will replace him as the franchise quarterback as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Maye is a very talented player, drawing some comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. But, for Maye to develop and reach his potential, the Patriots need to upgrade the supporting cast around him.
In the second round of the draft, they took a step toward doing that. With the fifth pick in the second round, No. 37 overall, the Patriots selected Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. Polk could have an opportunity to play right away as wide receiver was a major need for the franchise.
Their leading receiver from last season, Kendrick Bourne, is recovering from a torn ACL. DeVante Parker was released earlier this offseason, leaving JuJu Smith-Schuster atop the depth chart with Pop Douglas and free agent signing K.J. Osborn.
Polk should be a factor right away and is looking forward to getting started with New England. In a quote shared by Mark Daniels of MassLive, Polk revealed what he believe he will bring to the Patriots on the field.
“They’re getting a beast, man. A dude who loves football. Loves his teammates and is ready to build and come and be a great player, and a very electric person, and go on to win games,” Polk said.
Polk should be a starter for the Patriots from Day 1. He has the size and skill to be a monster in 50/50 and contested catch situations with excellent body control and the ability to snatch passes that may be a little off-target. For a young quarterback such as Maye, that is the kind of skill set that should help them through some tough times early in their career.
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