The Patriots needed a wide receiver and an offensive lineman. In the second round they picked a receiver and in the third round they took the lineman.
Were Ja’Lynn Polk and Caedan Wallace the right wide receiver and offensive lineman? National draft experts were mixed in their evaluations.
Fanatics Sportsbook
10X$100 BONUS BET
BET MATCH BONUS
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY ,MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV)
Here’s a sample of what they said and how they graded New England’s selections:
Round 2: No. 37: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington:
“Polk clocked a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, so he isn’t a burner, but his knack for making tough plays look routine — coupled with strong intangibles — made him an ideal target for the team.”
Round 3: No. 68: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
“If Penn State didn’t have Olumuyiwa Fashanu (first round, Jets) at left tackle, Wolf believes that Wallace would have played on the left side. “Really good pass-protector — took a huge step forward this year as a four-year starter,” Wolf said. “Can bend, strong, powerful, tough, can possibly play guard. Think he could be a four-position guy.”
37. New England Patriots: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
“New England needed a threat at receiver for new quarterback Drake Maye, and it picked one up here. Tough and competitive but lacking top-end speed, Polk is not afraid to block or make difficult catches over the middle. This was probably a bit high for him, however.” Grade: C-plus
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace, OT, Penn State
“The right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu at Penn State, Wallace is a huge man (10 3/4-inch hands and 34-inch arms). He also plays with great explosion and good speed into the second level as a road-grading blocker. Wallace is 24 years old, and there are some technique inconsistencies that might just be part of life, but he’s a powerful run blocker who moves people at the point of attack.” Grade: B-plus
37. New England Patriots: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
“To prevent Drake Maye from sliding back to his worst hero-ball tendencies, New England had to secure a receiver to boost a lackluster group. Polk isn’t as dynamic as some of the alternatives that had been available here, but he’s a hard-nosed target who can be a solid asset to Maye as someone who can consistently win jump balls.” – Grade: B-
68. New England Patriots: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
“Eliot Wolf’s mission to reconfigure New England’s offense continues, as he turns his attention to the Patriots’ front. Wallace can handle some kind of role along the line, but serving as Drake Maye’s blindside protector seems like a stretch.” Grade: C
37. Patriots: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
“Complete wideout without stellar athletic traits who tracks it awesomely. Flashes of YAC wiggle and power. Fun, versatile piece to add to the offense that needs it. A tick early for him though.” – Grade: B-
68. Patriots: Caedan Wallace, OT, Penn State
“Sizable framed OT with lumbering feet. Average-at-best athlete. Plays with good calmness and accuracy at second level and has quality power but overall athletic profile was severely threatened often in college. A concern for his NFL future. New England did need to add some OL depth. Worried about his upside.” Grade: C-
