Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates assess Washington WR Ja'Lynn Polk as 2024 NFL Draft prospect

The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with wide receiver talent. With players like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Washington’s Rome Odunze headlining the group, it’s easy for a second options to get swept under the rug.

Nonetheless, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates are ensuring Washington wideout Ja’Lynn Polk gets his flowers. On Monday, the pair raved about Polk’s NFL potential.

“At 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, you like the size,” Yates said of Polk. “He had seven games of 100+ receiving yards this season and 122 yards in the game against Texas in the semifinals and a monster opening drive play to set the tone the tone for how that game was going to be played.

“Ja’Lynn Polk might have some of, if not the, strongest hands of any wide receiver in the entire draft. That’s how good I think his hands are can be at the NFL level. It’s important to define how you evaluate hands, as well. I’m not just talking about miracle catches… I’m talking about a guy who just consistently claws the football. He’s got vise grips for hands.”

Polk hauled in 69 receptions this past season for 1,159 receiving yards, boosting Washington to have the No. 2 passing offense in the country. In Washington’s 34-13 loss to Michigan in the national championship, Polk tallied four receptions for 37 yards.

Polk began his collegiate career at Texas Tech. After only spending one season with the Red Raiders, Polk transferred to Washington. In his four collegiate campaigns, Polk amassed 143 catches for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns.

Kiper believes Polk carry his momentum over to the next level.

“He attacks the football and he was a guy when [Jalen] McMillan was not able to get it done at the highest level coming off the injury, he stepped it up with [Rome] Odunze then McMillan comes back, and then you got the three guys right, the triplets again, getting it done at a high level,” Kiper said.

At a national runner-up program, Polk was forced to split receptions with two other standout receivers, including Odunze, who is the No. 2 wide receiver in Kiper’s latest NFL Big Board. With a fresh start, Polk could easily emerge as a top option on an NFL roster.

Yates has faith Polk’s ability will translate wonderfully against professional competition.

“Ja’Lynn Polk’s ability to snatch catches in contested catch situations really was a significant trait for him that bodes well on an NFL level. He added some verticality as well to his game,” Yates said. “I like Ja’Lynn Polk a lot.”