Polk & Baker revival.

[Patsfan1645]

If you don't have a lot of talent or physical gifts, the only thing that compensates is brains.

I actually thought he threw a decent ball it just was rarely on the mark or to the right guy

 

[PatsFan2]

They both have to come out hot in camp otherwise they are done. Boutte, Douglas, Bourne are clearly better players so that’s already an uphill battle for playing time, let alone if we get Hunter or Tet.

K Bourne.

 

[Rob0729]

I will point to one receiver who can give the Pats hope about Polk and Baker - Nico Collins. Collins was a mediocre receiver his first two years in the league. When DeMeco Ryans and CJ Stroud came to the Texans, he became a top WR receiver in the league his third year. His first two years combined he had 927 yards and 3 TDs. His first year with Ryans and Stroud he had 1,297 yards and 8 TDs.

I know Maye was here last year, but with poor coaching and an abysmal o-line, he couldn't be everything he could be.

I seriously doubt either Polk or Baker will have the turnaround Collins had, but there is hope that both could become solid contributors.

 

[varjao]

It depends on how much they will still invest in the WR position. I believe they can still sign (or trade) one of the high profile remaining FA's and between rounds 1 and 3 of the draft they will most likely get one WR. I believe they will prioritize O-Line in the top of the draft. In this case they will have a chance, Polk will have a bigger chance in my view. I think Baker is gone.

But if somehow they invest more at WR in the top of the draft or FA/trade, then I can see both out the door.
Vrabel is not here to play the patience/long term project game.

 

[palialka]

Both Polk and Baker will have a clean slate going into TC this summer. Hopefully they’ve put in the work during the off season to be better prepared the 2nd time around.

A good chunk of the blame for last year’s debacle falls on these guys’ shoulders but last year’s coaching didn’t do those rookies any favors…it was abysmal.

McDaniels will be more creative and put all the receivers in better positions to succeed. The onus is on them now. Time to sink or swim.

Does this mean they’re going to have great seasons statistically; maybe not, but they both COULD be productive members of the WR corps and contribute to the team’s upward trajectory. Honestly, I’m more confident in Polk than Baker but let’s see.

 

[dliverey44]

I'm dwelling on the last 25 years, 20 of which were spent as a fan of the greatest dynasty in league history.

I'm not sure Bill got a chance to rebuild.

It's been 5 years and we have the start of another rebuild. I'll give them a grace period of another 5 years.

I am ecstatic about our run, I also am happy giving them more time. Whenever I get sad/upset at the state of this team I have at least 6 games I go back and watch.

 

[1960Pats]

I am ecstatic about our run, I also am happy giving them more time. Whenever I get sad/upset at the state of this team I have at least 6 games I go back and watch.

That reminds me. We have a holiday coming up in a few days. Comeback Day is 3/28.

Edit: I think I have more than a dozen videos here. They never get old.

 

[captain stone]

Call me wrong or stupid (and I dare say some will) But I think Polk and Baker are going to have a break out season in 2025. Better coaching, top QB, growing pains over. They were not dragged in off the street to play, both were very good collage players. But for what ever reason, they both really struggled to make the transition. But now things have changed and they have a chance to really show us how good they can be.

Let the abuse begin......

What better coaching?

 

[pats_premi]

I think Baker is too full of himself to realize he not good enough to be a wr in the nfl. It takes more than talent to succeed.

 

[Zuma]

Troy Brown

David Givens

Julian Edelman

Ja'Lynn Polk

 

[maust]

Troy Brown

David Givens

Julian Edelman

Ja'Lynn Polk

I understand what you're saying, 1st years aren't the final word on a players career.
That said, let's play the NFL version of 'one of these things is not like the other'
Troy Brown, 8th round (198th overall), special teams his 1st 2 seasons
David Givens, 7th round (253rd overall), special teams and spot duty at WR his 1st year
Julian Edelman, 7th round (232 overall), made the team as a punt returner, saw duty at WR due to Welker injury
Ja'Lynn Polk, 2nd round (37th overall), made team... because 2nd round pick

Just sayin'

 

[dliverey44]

What better coaching?

Really, so putting AVP and Tyler Hughes on the same level as Downing and McD?

 

[Zuma]

I understand what you're saying, 1st years aren't the final word on a players career.
That said, let's play the NFL version of 'one of these things is not like the other'
Troy Brown, 8th round (198th overall), special teams his 1st 2 seasons
David Givens, 7th round (253rd overall), special teams and spot duty at WR his 1st year
Julian Edelman, 7th round (232 overall), made the team as a punt returner, saw duty at WR due to Welker injury
Ja'Lynn Polk, 2nd round (37th overall), made team... because 2nd round pick

Just sayin'

Yeah I know…was thinking about that when posting. The players don’t always get to pick what round to be drafted in either. But he clearly dropped the ball in 2024.

 

[maust]

Yeah I know…was thinking about that when posting. The players don’t always get to pick what round to be drafted in either. But he clearly dropped the ball in 2024.

Literally and figuratively

 

[TinhWoodhead]

so, we should only pick wr’s in the 6-7th rounds

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

so, we should only pick wr’s in the 6-7th rounds

Kyle Williams, this year's 3rd round pick, will help us understand the answer to that question.

 

[DarrylS]

Agree on Polk, skeptical on Baker.
The variable will be better coaching, but if they fail to "get it early" in TC Baker will be first. Polk will have a longer leash, but not sure how much patience Vrabel & staff will have him long term.

 

[Real fan 02]

Troy Brown

David Givens

Julian Edelman

Ja'Lynn Polk

Zuma,

Great post. Maybe this will calm some down that are ready to get rid of all our young guys.. if Kyle Williams drops a pass they Will probably say he's a bust too LMAO.

 

[TomPatriot]

Really, so putting AVP and Tyler Hughes on the same level as Downing and McD?

Not to mention there’s now an excellent route runner in the house.

 

[KCSVEN]

I will point to one receiver who can give the Pats hope about Polk and Baker - Nico Collins. Collins was a mediocre receiver his first two years in the league. When DeMeco Ryans and CJ Stroud came to the Texans, he became a top WR receiver in the league his third year. His first two years combined he had 927 yards and 3 TDs. His first year with Ryans and Stroud he had 1,297 yards and 8 TDs.

I seriously doubt either Polk or Baker will have the turnaround Collins had, but there is hope that both could become solid contributors.

I'm in the unlikely to happen camp.
Collins was above average in separation rate in college and one of the best of the last decade in contested catches in college. Currently in the top 10% in various separation rate metrics.

Separation rate, especially against man is the most important metric. Polk was bad in college, been really bad in the pros
What's next most important metric: YAC, Nico was 6th. Polk was like 200th in college.

Is it possible Polk can overcome that to be a backup NFL WR? Sure, maybe last year was some mental issue for him. However, always being very bad at the most important metrics is not something gives me confidence Polk should even make this team.
Devante Parker made a middling career out of contested catches and terrible separation, but also was much bigger and faster than Polk, Polk needs to become a smaller Parker.

Baker was/is a raw prospect, so has more chance at growth and has shown some ability vs man coverage to separate. Baker had a 12% drop rate in college, highest among any wr drafted that year in rounds 1-4. He was also in for 22 pass plays vs Buffalo's 5th stringers in the finale and managed 1 catch. Meanwhile Boutte is going 7 for 117 and a TD.

If I had to guess they both get cut this year or next. Hoping I am wrong but that's, percent wise, the most likely outcome.