Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk on NFL draft outlook: ‘They’re getting a monster, a guy who loves the game’

HOUSTON – Breaking out of his route while the voice of private trainer Delfonte Diamond barked out instructions, University of Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk planted his cleats and made a smooth cut before catching the football.

It was another day in the lab for Polk, an NFL draft prospect optimistic he’ll be selected Friday night in the second round or third round. And Polk was working alongside Texans wide receivers Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson and Jared Wayne.

A Lufkin native and Texas Tech transfer, Polk caught 69 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns last season as a Huskies squad led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., drafted eighth overall by the Atlanta Falcons, made it to the national championship game where they lost to Michigan.

Polk (6-foot-2, 204 pounds, 4.52 speed, 37 1/2 vertical leap, 10-9 broad jump) is optimistic about his chances of being drafted Friday night in the second round or third round. And he’s extremely confident in his skills and what he’ll provide to his future NFL employer.

“They’re getting a monster, a guy who loves the game, a guy who loves everything,” Polk told KPRC 2. “I’m married to it and I’m looking forward to doing legendary stuff and contributing to the team so we can win a lot of games. It’s a blessing. I’m ready for the opportunity. I’m excited and eager to go out there on the field and show the world who I am and what I can do as a player and, even better, show people who I am as a person.

“I’m ready to get out there. We’re waiting on that call today. We know it’s going to come and it’s just about being patient and being ready for that opportunity. These teams know what I’m coming with. They know my character and what I bring on the field,”

At Texas Tech, Polk caught 28 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. He transferred to Washington and caught 41 passes for 694 yards and six touchdowns before boosting his production significantly last season and declaring early for the draft.

“Ja’Lynn Polk is a freak of nature,” said Diamond, who trains several top NFL receivers, including the Dallas Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, Tank Dell and, recently, Stefon Diggs. “He’s a hidden gem in the draft. Whoever picks him up is going to have a real good steal.”

Polk visited the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Working alongside NFL players is beneficial for his development.

“I’m getting myself around the right people to put myself in the best situation possible, coming out here each and every day, polishing things up with Coach D,” Polk said. “He’s going to come out here and get us right every time.

“You are who you hang around with. When you get an opportunity to be around great guys like that, you’ve got to able to see what they do in your game and polish your game up as well.”

Polk was thrilled to watch Penix go to the Falcons where he’ll be mentored by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“It didn’t surprise me that he got picked at the eighth pick, so I’m happy for him,” Polk said. “He deserved everything. I thought he deserved to be the first pick, in my opinion. That’s my dawg. I know he’s going to do great things.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.