Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Ja'Lynn Polk Drawing Praise in Camp

By Matt Schauf | Updated on Wed, Jul 31 2024 2:55 AM UTC
Ja'Lynn Polk Headshot

Patriots rookie WR Ja'Lynn Polk has impressed over his first week of training camp. NESN's Sean T. McGuire praised Polk's work across multiple drills and situations Tuesday, adding that the rookie "continues to stack [good] days."

What They're Saying

McGuire: "While it's been a struggle for the offense to find consistency during two padded practices, the contributions from Polk have been a cause for optimism."

Mike Kadlick, Patriots reporter for CLNS Media: "Ja'Lynn Polk has been, without question, the Patriots' best receiver through 6 training camp practices."

Phil Perry, Patriots Insider for NBC Sports Boston, in mid-July: "During mandatory minicamp practices, Polk performed like the most impactful pass-catcher on the field. ... It's been pointed out to me by those at One Patriots Place that he has some high-end physical skills that have them believing he'll soon be more than a role player."

2024 Fantasy Football Impact

Polk reportedly ran with the second team back in spring workouts, but he has commonly gotten reps with the first team already in training camp.

WR Kendrick Bourne's absence (ACL recovery) helps. But if Polk continues performing the way beat writers are describing, then the second-round pick should be able to quickly earn a role.

He'll face 2023 rookie Demario Douglas and former Vikings WR K.J. Osborn as other primary competition.

It can't hurt Polk's chances that he has reportedly started building rapport with first-round QB Drake Maye, thanks to their time on the second team.

That said, we can't expect these Patriots to support meaningful fantasy production from multiple WRs. So Polk would likely need to emerge as the target leader to be worth starting.

Other Winners & Losers

Osborn would be better off if the rookie seemed further away. The former Viking arrived on just a one-year, $4 million deal. That's not enough to lock him into a spot if New England hits September with three better WRs.

There's also a chance that Polk's quick development motivates the team to take its time easing Bourne back in. That would obviously hurt the veteran's chances to produce.

Douglas stands as a mild loser here, just because observers are buzzing more about another young WR. We'll see how the starting lineup shakes out.

Projected ADP Movement

Polk has been leading Patriots in our WR rankings, so no change there. His best ball ADP has climbed about a round since the end of May but leveled off through the middle of July.

More camp buzz -- and preseason success -- would likely push him up further. Polk presents basically no risk, though, at his current WR63 cost.

Matt Schauf Author Image
Matt Schauf, Editor
Matt has earned two Fantasy Pros accuracy awards for IDP rankings and won thousands of dollars as a player across best ball, dynasty, and high-stakes fantasy formats. He has been creating fantasy football content for more than 20 years, with work featured by Sporting News, Rotoworld, Athlon, Sirius XM, and others. He's been with Draft Sharks since 2011.
2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

2025 NFL Draft Prospects: Top 100

3:31pm UTC 4/21/25

Draft capital is important for incoming fantasy rookies, but context is often lost on the draft class. See how the top skill positions match up in the top 100 prospects

Read More »
Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

Jaxson Dart Dynasty Value: Big Arm, Bigger Question Marks

12:28pm UTC 4/19/25

QB Jaxson Dart has the arm strength and rushing upside to be a fantasy difference-maker. Is he a beacon of light in a dim QB class? Or are we reaching for a mediocre talent in a QB-starved league?

Read More »
Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

Video: Top QB Prospects of 2025

8:41pm UTC 4/17/25

Cam Ward looks like the No. 1 pick -- but is that enough to make him a high-value superflex asset? Should you target or pass on Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders in your dynasty rookie draft? Let's talk through the top prospects PLUS three sleepers.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »