After a successful college career with the Washington Huskies, WR Ja’Lynn Polk declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
While Washington teammate Rome Odunze has received more national coverage as a top-three receiver in this class, Polk is a legitimate prospect as well, as he displayed playmaking ability throughout his final three years of college after transferring from Texas Tech.
In his final year at Washington, Polk caught 69 passes for 1,1159 yards and nine scores. He also rushed for a touchdown.
Let’s take a look at how Polk performed at the NFL Combine and what his scouting report looks like.
Ja’Lynn Polk’s Impressive NFL Combine Performance
Coming into the pre-draft process, the only question marks about Polk’s game were his athleticism and long speed. He answered most of those concerns while testing at the NFL Combine.
How Fast Is Polk?
The 22-year-old receiver ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash, which was about on par with what most analysts expected from him.
Polk’s 40-yard dash put him in the 43rd percentile in direct comparison to his peers at the receiver position.
. @UW_Football WR Ja’Lynn Polk just ran a 4.52 in his second 40 at the NFL Combine… #GoHuskies #PurpleReign @Dawgman247 @CoachShephard @KimGrinolds @Chris_Fetters pic.twitter.com/FCk1EQsUOi
— Scott Eklund (@ScottEklund) March 2, 2024
While Polk’s 40-yard dash might not have jumped off the page for NFL general managers, his athleticism was still on display throughout other drills.
Polk had a 129″ broad jump which put him in the 88th percentile. His 37 1/2″ vertical jump put him in the 75th percentile of that category as well.
How Old Is Polk?
Born April 11, 2002, Polk turned 22 years old just a couple weeks before the NFL Draft.
Because of his spring birthday, Polk will not turn 23 years old until he gets ready for his second season in the NFL.
MORE: Top WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Polk’s Latest Scouting Report
While his 40 time does not jump off the page, Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings explains in his scouting report that Polk’s versatility and finishing ability are always in high demand for NFL wide receivers.
Polk was a critical part of Washington’s dominant passing attack led by Michael Penix Jr. and Odunze. The Huskies’ passing offense was so potent that it carried them all the way to the National Championship Game, where Polk had four catches for 37 yards.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Ja’Lynn Polk
Throughout the successful title-game run, Polk’s fluidity as an athlete was on full display. Cummings says Polk’s wide range of abilities will make him a coveted player.
“Schematically, he’s one of the most diverse receivers in the class, and he also has the catch-point reliability and RAC skills to win over his quarterback quickly,” Cummings wrote.
“At 6’2″ 204 pounds, Polk passes the desired athleticism threshold with excellent explosiveness, agility, and smooth fluidity in all phases. And while he’s not a burner, he has enough speed to stress vertically and create late-snap separation on tight throws.”
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