Patriots WRs Ja'Lynn Polk and Tyquan Thornton appear headed to starting roles for the start of the regular season. Polk has been working with the top offensive unit throughout the week, while Thornton continues playing the X WR role with that same first team.
Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald: "Ja’Lynn Polk, a 2024 second-round pick, has earned a starting job in the Patriots’ crowded wide receiver room. Polk has been a regular in the Patriots’ top offensive unit this week"
Taylor Kyles of CLNS Media: "[Thornton] is the top X and it’s barely looked like a competition"
Polk was the 37th overall pick for the Patriots in the 2024 NFL Draft and has played his way into a starting role.
He had two catches from rookie QB Drake Maye this past Thursday in the Patriots most recent preseason game and has continued impressing in practices.
Polk is likely to play in the slot as well as outside and has fantasy football sleeper value this season.
Thornton is entering his third year. He had a disappointing 13 catches for 91 yards and no TDs last season.
With the lack of weapons on the Patriots, Thornton was competing with fourth-round pick Javon Baker for the X WR position, and it appears Thornton has won the battle.
In the Alex Van Pelt offense, the X WR is likely to be more of a deep threat, which aligns with Thornton's 4.28 40 time.
He could be a sneaky pick in deeper leagues.
This is good news for both Polk and Thornton's dynasty values.
Polk fell in dynasty rookie drafts due to many predraft rankings having him later than WRs drafted after him like Keon Coleman and Adonai Mitchell.
But, he appears to be in line to start while a player like Mitchell may struggle.
Thornton is nearly free in dynasty and if he pops off in a game or two, his trade value should skyrocket.
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