New England Patriots wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk is struggling in his rookie season, and there is statistical evidence to back up that statement.
The Washington product has recorded only 10 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown through nine weeks of the regular season. His lone touchdown came in the team’s season-opening victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
He recorded no receptions and was only targeted once last week against the Tennessee Titans. Pro Football Focus has Polk ranked last amongst 128 wide receivers with at least 10 targets on the season, per The Athletic’s Chad Graff.
Graff wrote:
“And the early returns from Polk? They rank him as the league’s worst wide receiver. Among 128 wide receivers with at least 10 targets, Polk is 128th in Pro Football Focus’ rankings, 128th in yards after the catch per reception, 127th in yards per route run and 126th (out of 126 receivers) at separation when targeted, per Next Gen Stats.”
The Patriots needed help at the wide receiver position heading into the 2024 NFL draft, and they selected Polk with the idea that he would be an important piece of the offense moving forward.
There is still time for him to turn things around, but the early returns have not been good.
