As training camp rolls on, New England Patriots rookie wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are generating significant 2024 fantasy football buzz.
With Bill Belichick no longer making draft decisions, the Patriots appear to have finally hit the mark with their two receiver selections.
These rookies complement each other’s skill sets, and both possess the potential to become alpha receivers in the Patriots’ offense. With the team’s receiving corps wide open, Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker have emerged as standout performers in training camp, showing they could be valuable fantasy football assets in redraft and Underdog Best Ball.
As noted, the two rookies are battling one of, if not the worst receiver core in the league, “led” by the likes of , Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, KJ Osborn, Jalen Reagor, Tyquan Thornton, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Kayshon Boutte. Meaning, outside of Demario Douglas and (healthy) Kendrick Bourne, it’s Ja’Lynn Polk vs Javon Baker for the top of the Patriots 2024 fantasy football target totem pole.
THE CASE FOR JA’LYNN POLK IN 2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL & BEST BALL
Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk is emerging as a name to watch in the late rounds of 2024 fantasy football and best ball drafts.
Selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Polk has quickly become a reliable target within the Patriots’ offense. Patriots beat writer Evan Lazar highlights Polk’s integration into the team’s regular offensive rotations, particularly as a dependable underneath and chain-moving option, drawing comps to Jakobi Meyers. This immediate involvement suggests a promising path for Polk, especially with Kendrick Bourne recovering from a knee injury that could limit his early-season contributions.
Polk’s potential fantasy relevance hinges on his volume of opportunities in an offense that might prioritize the running game with question marks at quarterback and offensive line. However, as the season progresses, Polk could solidify his role as a key pass catcher, regardless of whether Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye is the starting quarterback. Polk’s impressive ball-tracking skills, reliable hands, and solid YAC ability further bolster his case as a valuable fantasy asset.
HC Jerod Mayo has praised Polk, stating, “He’s just one of those guys, when he puts the pads on he’s that much better. … Just one of those all-around players you want to build a team around.” This endorsement, coupled with Polk’s red zone prowess alongside Hunter Henry, signals significant touchdown potential for the rookie.
In summary, Polk possesses the tools and opportunity to become the WR1 in the Patriots’ offense. With improved quarterback play and a clear path to targets, Polk’s fantasy upside is real, making him a worthy late-round stab in both fantasy formats.
THE CASE FOR JAVON BAKER IN 2024 FANTASY FOOTBALL & BEST BALL
Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker is turning heads and making a compelling case for fantasy consideration. Despite initial optimism around second-rounder Ja’Lynn Polk, Baker has consistently stolen the spotlight with his standout performances over the past two weeks.
Baker’s highlight-reel grabs have become a regular feature in Patriots practices. His build-up speed, ability to elevate above defenders, and explosiveness make him a potential difference-maker on the perimeter.
On Monday, he continued to impress, making an outstanding catch from an equally impressive throw by Jacoby Brissett.
Recent history has shown that Day 3 draft picks can become fantasy stars, with players like Puka Nacua and Amon-Ra St. Brown serving as prime examples. Baker, a former UCF standout, finished last season with the 11th-highest PFF receiving grade in his draft class and a higher yards per route run average than Rome Odunze (3.21 vs. 2.93). His final season stats were equally impressive, with 52 receptions for 1,139 yards (21.9 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns through 13 games last season.
K.J. Osborn praised Baker’s early impressions, comparing him to Steelers beast George Pickens.
“I told him he reminds me of George Pickens,” Osborn said. “Bigger like that. Really, really, really talented. Raw. You see him jump up and make big plays. He’s a rookie, so learning the offense and the details of it. I’m trying to tell him the type of people he’s going to face on Sunday, especially in this division. We go against some really good corners. So it’s been exciting to see him continue to come along, continue to make plays, and I think he’ll be a good player.”
With his impressive physical attributes and the potential to become a go-to downfield target for either QB, Baker is positioned to make a significant impact. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Baker, as his breakout potential in 2024 is substantial, and he could quickly become a valuable asset in the Patriots’ offense.
SUMMARY: JA’LYNN POLK VS JAVON BAKER
In the 2024 fantasy football landscape, Patriots rookie wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are both emerging as intriguing options.
Polk, a second-round draft pick, has quickly integrated into the Patriots’ offense as a reliable target for both quarterbacks. With the wide receiver room wide open and improved quarterback play, Polk’s path to immediate fantasy relevance is promising.
On the other hand, Javon Baker has been making a name for himself with highlight-reel catches in training camp, despite being a Day 3 draft pick. His impressive physical attributes, including physicality and the ability to elevate above defenders, have given the offense an added dimension.
However, while Baker’s potential is undeniable, Polk’s immediate integration into the offense, higher draft capital, and advanced route tree make him a more appealing late-round fantasy flier. Polk’s opportunity to secure a significant role early in the season and his established rapport within the offense give him the edge over Baker as a more reliable fantasy option in their rookie seasons. Yet, I’d probably lean Javon Baker in dynasty formats, mostly due to his higher ceiling and tools.
The Wolf agrees with me, ranking Polk as his WR56 (+12 vs ECR) and Baker as his WR77 (+3 vs ECR) in his most recent 2024 Fantasy Football Rankings update.
