The Washington Huskies’ offense has fired on all cylinders in 2023. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk has been a vital part of that machine, leading them to the National Championship Game.
Polk has gone under the radar due to the exceptional performances of some of his teammates, but how good are his NFL prospects, and is he eligible for the NFL Draft?
When Can Ja’Lynn Polk Declare for the NFL Draft?
As a fourth-year player, Polk can declare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Polk is one of the three wide receivers who will garner attention if they declare for the draft.
The NFL Draft eligibility rules state that a prospect must be out of high school for three years before he can be considered for the NFL. Polk clears this mark and has played four college football seasons.
Despite playing four seasons, Polk is still only a sophomore. He started his college career at Texas Tech, where he committed out of high school as a three-star recruit. He played in 10 games for the Red Raiders in 2020.
Polk then entered the transfer portal at the end of that season and moved to Washington. Due to the extra eligibility given to all college players impacted by the pandemic, Polk still had five years to complete his remaining four seasons.
Due to an injury in 2021, Polk only played in three games, which meant he redshirted in 2022. That means the 2023 season, which has been a breakout for Polk, is just his sophomore campaign.
In 2023, Polk has recorded 65 receptions for 1,122 yards and nine touchdowns. By far, it has been the most productive of his career. Polk has had 139 receptions, 2,194 yards, and 18 touchdowns to date.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Declarations Tracker
As a draft prospect, Polk is flying under the radar compared to his Wahington counterparts. With QB Michael Penix and standout WR Rome Odunze taking most of the attention, Polk should certainly have caught the eye of NFL scouts by now.
Polk has developed into a legitimate prospect in his own right and is expected to be drafted on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
On the PFN 2024 NFL Draft Big Board, Polk is currently ranked 79th and is one of the receivers who should be taken on Day 2 once the top of the class has been picked in the first round.