The New England Patriots knew they needed to upgrade at wide receiver in 2024, and they attempted to do so by investing two draft picks in the position. However, neither Ja’Lynn Polk nor Javon Baker made much of a difference for the team during their rookie campaigns.
Fourth-rounder Baker caught just one pass all season, and as a depth option was practically redshirted in his first NFL season. Polk, on the other hand, finished with 12 receptions for 87 yards and a couple of touchdowns — despite getting plenty of opportunity early on.
That usage, however, might have contributed to his struggles down the stretch as Patriots EVP of player personnel Eliot Wolf explained on Wednesday.