The New England Patriots WR room is wide open, and they drafted two rookies, Ja’lynn Polk and Javon Baker, for their new rookie QB, Drake Maye, to throw to. Today, I will be discussing Polk and Baker and telling you which one you should target during your dynasty rookie drafts.
Javon Baker
Javon Baker started his career at Alabama before transferring to UCF, where he enjoyed a 2023 senior season that included 52 catches for 1,139 yards and 7 TDs. Baker has the prototypical height/weight to be a WR1 in the NFL at 6’1” and 202 lbs.
Baker wasn’t drafted until the 10th pick of the 4th round, but that’s the only negative aspect of his profile for me. However, even that can be seen as a plus, as it seems to have lit a fire under Baker, who doesn’t think there’s any way he should have been drafted that late. Baker has good speed for his size, running a 4.54 40-yard dash at the combine.
When I watch Baker on tape, I see an NFL-ready WR who can make plays all over the field. He gets great separation from his route running and is very fluid for his size. Given his ability to separate and cut in and out of breaks quickly, Baker looks like he’s already pro-ready.
Early reports out of Patriots OTAs have Javon Baker making play after play and scoring touchdown after touchdown. It’s still early in his development as a rookie WR, but it sounds like he’s starting on the right foot.
Ja’lynn Polk
Ja’lynn Polk caught 69 balls in 2023 for 1,159 yards and 9 TDs while playing WR2 to Rome Odunze’s WR1 for Washington’s high-volume passing attack. Polk is nearly identical to Javon Baker in height/weight, standing at 6’1” and 203 lbs. This is the perfect size for a typical high-producing NFL wideout.
Polk was drafted with the 5th overall pick in Round 2 of the NFL Draft, giving him excellent draft capital. Polk ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the coming, again, almost identical to Baker’s 4.54.
When I watch Polk on tape, I see someone who has trouble separating but becomes great when the ball is in the air. He has trouble creating space before the ball is thrown in his traditional route running but becomes a true magician when the ball is thrown, showing the ability to up and get the ball despite tough coverage. I worry some about this skillset transitioning to the NFL where a lack of separation can be a death knell.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the draft capital, I prefer Javon Baker here and would draft him higher than Polk in dynasty rookie drafts. Given his superior ability to separate, I see Baker having immediate success in the league. As mentioned above, the Patriots WR room is wide open, and I imagine both Baker and Polk will be starting outside from day one with Demario “Pop” Douglas in the slot. That will provide ample opportunity for early success for both guys, and I think Javon Baker will take every opportunity given to him and run with it. Draft him anywhere in the 3rd round of your dynasty rookie draft with confidence.
Thanks for reading! Any questions/positive feedback/negative feedback/whatever, I can be found on Twitter @DynastyPatrolHQ #DFFArmy #AlwaysBeBuilding #AlwaysBeScouting #DynastyFootball #NFL #NFLTrades #NFLDraft #NFLInjuries #PlantYourFlag
