Polk & Baker revival.

[Brotherblues]

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'

To expand on this, they all did more with their opportunities.

Polk's 87 yards on 33 targets is mind-blowing bad. Imagine a QB going 12 of 33 for 87 yards. That's what they got from Polk's targets, including at least one pick that was his fault.

 

[Rob0729]

FWIW, I did see a video (wish I could find it now) of someone who analyzed Polk's play last year and they argued much of his problems last year was due to misuse by the coaching staff. They used him as the X early last year despite him never playing it in college. He argued the Pats drafted Ja'Lynn Polk and then used him like they drafted Rome Odunze.

He claimed that the Pats had him running the 9 route an inordinate amount of time. That is kinda stupid since as you see below that he historically does not do well on that route while exceled with shorter routes in college. He isn't a receiver who is going to get separation down the field.




Obviously that doesn't excuse his mental issues and attitude at times. But WRs are frequently head cases, Maybe with the right nurturing he can keep his head on straight. We have even seen elite WRs like Randy Moss turn to crap because they can be head cases (see his play in his last year in each Minnesota and Oakland).

There is some hope if he is used correctly (and not how he was used last year) and properly coached, he can turn it around. The good news is McDaniels is really good at putting WRs in the best position to succeed (see Borne with him and without him). He might be able to make Polk a productive possession WR.

 

[Rob0729]

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.

I only used Collins as an example of a massive turnaround by a receiver with a change of situation. I know he isn't the same as either Polk or Baker. I just wanted to use the most extreme version of a turnaround to make the point.

 

[Real fan 02]

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

 

[Real fan 02]

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

Hoyer? Decent ball??

 

[Grogan14]

Unless Williams, Chism and Boutte all fail in TC, neither of them may even make fhe final 53

 

[Patsfan1645]

Hoyer? Decent ball??

 

[Real fan 02]

 

[50-yard-line]

Unless Williams, Chism and Boutte all fail in TC, neither of them may even make fhe final 53

Can we pump the brakes on Chism a bit - he was an undrafted FA. I hope he's Edelman II, but...

 

[Patsfan1645]

@Real fan 02 As mentioned his mechanics and the velocity on the ball werent bad, it was his accuracy. Now this guy here threw it like he was playing on the beach.

 

[Rob0729]

Can we pump the brakes on Chism a bit - he was an undrafted FA. I hope he's Edelman II, but...

Yeah, Chism probably destined for the practice squad unless he really excels in the preseason. Chism has to dislodge at least Polk to make the 53 man roster, not the other way around. Polk has a regular season roster spot that he can lose. Chism doesn’t have a regular season roster spot and must win one.

 

[Huckleberry1]

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......

You’re wrong, and that’s stupid.


I figured this was a request that required my particular skill set.

 

[Huckleberry1]

Huckleberry1 said:
I have more hope for Polk than Baker (there's some real evidence for that - see your comments below). Polk was one of the best players in camp last year (that often means nothing in MLB and the NFL), but when the season started he had a few drops (oh yeah, and for the self-proclaimed player with the best hands, that is embarrassing), Mayo threw him under the bus (not quite but people remember things differently), and he lost confidence (that's sad, it's your ****ing job) and got injured (everyone in the NFL does at some point). Baker, from the accounts I read, was never able to learn the playbook. Which to me spells big trouble going to MacDaniels offense (McYup).


Lmao

 

[Brotherblues]

I only used Collins as an example of a massive turnaround by a receiver with a change of situation. I know he isn't the same as either Polk or Baker. I just wanted to use the most extreme version of a turnaround to make the point.

Texans QBs in 2021:
6.5 ypa when not targetting Collins
7.4 ypa when targetting Collins (60 targets).

Texans QBs in 2022:
6.2 ypa when not targetting Collins
7.3 ypa when targetting Collins (66 targes)

Pats QBs last year:
6.4 ypa when not targetting Polk
2.6 ypa when targetting Polk (33 targets)

I don't see any paralells in how Collins and Polk started their careers. Collins has no relevance when discussing Polk.

 

[Grogan14]

Can we pump the brakes on Chism a bit - he was an undrafted FA. I hope he's Edelman II, but...

true, he has been hyped up big time ( including me)
EC3 is fun to root for though

 

[TinhWoodhead]

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

yes hopefully he breaks the trend/spell

 

[ctpatsfan77]

true, he has been hyped up big time ( including me)
EC3 is fun to root for though

TBF he looks the part and has the production to match.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Huckleberry1 said:
Mayo threw him under the bus (not quite but people remember things differently)

Didn't AVP put some of the blame on the coaching staff for asking too much of Polk and Baker?

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Unless Williams, Chism and Boutte all fail in TC, neither of them may even make fhe final 53

It does not help their cause that they averaged about two ST snaps a game between them.

 

[fnordcircle]

I have zero doubts Polk got the yips and his coach's comments made things worse for a besieged player.