Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Ja’Lynn Polk
- Washington
- Transfer from Texas Tech
- Height-6020
- Weight-204 lbs
- Fourth-year Senior
- 3-Star recruit at cornerback per 247 Sports
- Stats: 221 targets, 143 receptions, 2,230 yards, 15.6 YPR, 18 touchdowns, 5 rush, 47 yards, 1 touchdown
- Games watched: Arizona 2023, Cal 2023, Michigan 2023, Oregon 2023
Strengths
Polk has the goods at receiver. In the Huskies offense, he attacked the field vertically with consistency and effectiveness. Displays great tracking of the football, seeing it consistently through the air and attacking it at it’s apex.
Polk does a great job in the open field. Has great awareness to find the open hole in zone coverage and is really good with the ball in his hands.
Very natural hands catcher. Snags the ball out of midair with ease. Has just eight drops in 221 targets
Polk is a capable blocker. Holds the point of attack and doesn’t give up leverage.
Weaknesses
Press coverage gives him some issues. Struggles to gain separation from press. Doesn’t have a lot of releases in his arsenal.
Has some lapses in concentration that increased toward the end of the season They were the cause of all four drops he had in 2023.
Route running can use some more nuance. Doesn’t vary his tempo enough before the step, impacting separation.
Overview
| Hands | 8.2/10 |
| Release | 8.0/10 |
| Route Running | 13.5/15 |
| Separation | 13.0/15 |
| Contested Catches | 8.7/10 |
| Tracking | 9.0/10 |
| Body Control | 8.9/10 |
| YAC Ability | 8.3/10 |
| Agility | 8.2/10 |
| Grade | 85.8/100 First Round |
Polk might get overlooked by some due to the presence of Rome Odunze, but he is legit in nearly every sense. His tracking and body control are incredible and will serve him well when attacking down the field.
