I'm a big believer in each of them and think both will be successful.
Polk is a classic NEP Z/Slot imo but will thrive AVP system. The pats z/slot duties/traits overlap some. We look for similar players and traits there. Polk played a good deal outside, more than in the slot but was asked to do the dirty work on run plays inside. Digging out second level guys and even DL. Makes tough recs on crossers and catches over the mof. Very capable along the sidelines with a nice body control, catch radius, late, strong hands. Polk was a plus down field threat last year. Nasty blocker. Great tracker. Hes among the best in the class tracking the ball. I mentioned this when we drafted him. Hes excellent at a few things - tracking, late hands on a contested rec and adjustments/body control from tough positions. I didn't think he was the best separator tbh but good enough there. And more importantly when he did separate however much. He immediately stacked his man or puts himself in the best position to finish. He's more of a "chunk" play guy than beat you on 50 yard go balls with his athleticism. He's used to working hard and maximizing his skills set. His willingness to block and versatility should really keep him on the field.
Jamarcus Shepherd deserves so much credit with this trio. He absolutely boosted all 3 of those guys stocks. They all improved dramatically tracking the ball but more than anything on contested catches. They all made big strides in either technique and efficiency/volume. They all took to his coaching big time.
Shepherd and DeBoer are on record speaking to his toughness, how he's the "dog" of the group. I had a high 3rd on him and will be happy to be proven I was a little low.
I had a 2nd on Baker and was probably higher than consensus.
When he's on, Baker does it very well. He looks every bit the part of an NFL WR. 6'1/200 with 32 + arms. Like with Polk, I mentioned several thoughts immediately after the draft. I think Baker is a natural Z/Flanker. Particularly in a wco, timing oriented offense. Wolf mentioned that he wants a guy that can win in a 3x1 around the draft. Baker has the release package + hands + is very good on fades, curls, out and post/corner and is successful enough at go routes.
He definitely has the tools to play some X and I said as much when we got him. I think Z is a natural fit and will get him on the field immediately. Now his hand fighting and release package on the line are really good but his footwork overall is his biggest concern/issue. It's not bad at all. He flashes quickness, burst, efficiency but at times he over does it. Too many steps, freelances a bit, again kinda over does it at times. He wins with a nice blend of quickness and hesitation combined with plus hand fighting to get off the line. He has to learn to utilize his speed as much as he possibly can. While his play speed is plus (21 + mph on the field) he's still not a natural burner. I will welcome as much as he can handle. Usually at X you win with speed (Hill, Waddle - thats what we envisioned with TT) or size (Higgins, Williams) or a little of both like Chase. Baker wins with a little of both. I think thats a decent way to look at how Baker wins. Chase is more athletic but still they win similar in ways. If we could get 60-75% of Chase I'd be a happy fan.
Polk has very good body control. Baker's is a better imo. That's tough to judge both are among the best in the class but Baker has great body control particularly in his lower half. He does a great job climbing to get pluck the ball early. He's more explosive or sudden coming out his breaks as well.
Deep threat - he averaged 21.9, had 5 rec of 50 yards last year and 21 of 20 plus (4th best) Hit almost 22 mph in live game action and that play speed shows up every game you watch.
I think both guys have a very good football iq. Baker displays his off his yac, reading leverage, just moving through the open field. He's always eyes up but looking at who's around him and how he can make it work for him. Most of his yac comes from iq and toughness not athleticism or speed.
I actually really like the trio of Pop, Polk and Baker. They're are versatile in their own ways. You could put them on the field at the same time in different spots. They all "give you" something extra too. Whether it's yac, contested rec, big plays down field. We've definitely made strides. I'd love a big X/Slot but this is a great place to start imo.
