Training camp marks the return of football as summer starts to wind down. Pads are on, tensions are high, and players are fighting for spots on the 53-man roster. There is no understating just how important training camp and the NFL preseason are for players on the bubble. On the New England Patriots roster, there are more than a few players who will be fighting for their job in two weeks time.
One player sticks out more than the others, though. After a lackluster rookie season from this 2024 second-round pick, it's time to "put up or shut up" in camp for sophomore wideout Ja'Lynn Polk.
Ja'lynn Polk Entering Make or Break Training Camp with Patriots
The former Washington Huskie was the No.37 pick made by the Patriots in last year's draft, as the selection received praise from Patriots media at the time. After his final season at Washington with 69 receptions, 1159 yards and 9 touchdowns, there was reason to believe that Polk would establish a real connection with Drake Maye in their rookie seasons in New England.
With the Patriots offense being dysfunctional for most, if not all of last season, Polk didn't help his own cause one bit. The 23-year-old tallied a measly 12 catches on 33 targets, for 87 yards and 2 touchdowns across 15 games played (7 starts). While other young Pats receivers Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas showed promise with Maye at the helm, Polk was a non-factor despite being a fellow high draft pick.
To make matters worse for the Lufkin, TX native, the Patriots added receivers through all avenues during this offseason. In free agency, Stefon Diggs was the headliner, with Mack Hollins also added into the fold as a good blocker and red zone threat. The team also used it's third round selection on Kyle Williams, a speedster out of Washington State that has impressed during spring practices.
Not to mention, Efton Chism III looks like the second coming of Julian Edelman, and is breathing down the neck of receivers like Polk heading into camp. As a UDFA, Chism III has made a name for himself, connecting with Drake Maye religiously during OTAs and minicamp.
Polk will have to battle all of these new additions, plus familiar names like Bourne, Boutte and Douglas to crack a spot on the 53-man roster. As a player who wasn't drafted by or connected to Vrabel and McDaniels, he faces an uphill battle, plus a recent shoulder surgery, heading into the midsummer practices.
#Patriots WR Ja’Lynn Polk has been working hard behind the scenes as training camp approaches.
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) July 6, 2025
The former second-round pick was very limited throughout the spring due to a recent shoulder procedure, but it looks like he is healing up well.
(🎥 jpolk_22 Snapchat) pic.twitter.com/baESo4wDus
In recent weeks, Polk and other Patriots skill position players have been working together on the field and establishing chemistry outside of football. A lot of new faces have joined the picture this season, making it ever so important that all parties involved are on the same page. For Polk, more reps with Maye will only do him good moving forward, but the Patriots' receiver room has become crowded suddenly.
Once the Patriots commence for camp at Gillette Stadium on July 22nd, Polk will be a player to watch after a horrendous rookie season. His performance in camp will tell the story of what role (or any role) he has with New England moving forward.
With that said, the team would be quick to give up on a former second-round pick in year two, but Polk needs to earn his worth on the 2025 Patriots. Vrabel is establishing his own culture in Foxborough, and has showed former team captains and veterans the door multiple times this offseason. Training camp will be Polk's first chance to right the ship and live up to his potential, while earning the trust of Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye and Josh McDaniels.