Attack the 2024 Rookie Draft: 2.12

In this series for the Dynasty Nerds, the staff will take a rookie draft pick-by-pick and evaluate who they would select. Each pick will take into account other players on the board, how the team build can affect the impact and possibly change the pick, and also the trade value of the pick.

We are operating under the assumption that the league is a SuperFlex league with a tight end premium scoring format.

The 2.12 Pick

This was another easy one for me. Ja’Lynn Polk represents the end of the high-end receivers, in my opinion. Considering investment alone, Polk is the last of the wideouts who were taken in the first two rounds to be taken in this mock.

As the 37^th overall pick and landing in a messy New England WR unit, Polk might be the WR1 for the Patriots in short order. Kendrick Bourne is steady when healthy, and DeMario Douglas showed well as a rookie. While Polk’s ceiling might not be at the All-Pro level, it’s certainly beyond both. He’ll also have the opportunity to build a long-term relationship with a rookie QB.

The Washington star played second fiddle to Rome Odunze but was uber-productive as a senior. He has solid size, and while he ran a 4.52 40 at the combine, his explosion numbers gave him a solid 9.11 RAS. Even if he isn’t WR1 in New England, his inside-outside game and his personality should make him a long-term starter.

Who Else Should You Consider?

At WR, Malachi Corley and Luke McCaffrey appear to be the only other players who could immediately jump into starting roles. Corley has a good landing spot with Aaron Rodgers in New York, but I am not high on his skill set. McCaffrey will have a rookie quarterback in Washington, and while I like what he brings to the table, he’s raw, having played quarterback for his first few seasons in college.  

In tight end premium, Ben Sinnott will have to be on the radar as well. He put up solid numbers both on the field and in the combine. I am a little apprehensive about Sinnott’s game because of how he was used in college. I think his Sam LaPorta comparisons are a bit of wishful thinking.

Would You Trade The 2.12?

I wouldn’t consider a trade because the well is drying up. Trading out of impact players is never a good strategy. I also wouldn’t trade up if this is how the draft falls. Polk is in the same conversation with Xavier Legette, Keon Coleman, and Adonai Mitchell for me. Getting the end of that tier at 2.12 is a boon.

The Final Word

Polk was the last player in a tier for me, making this a very easy pick. He lands in a muddled situation in New England but has a chance to grow with a Rookie quarterback. While he may never be WR1 for the Patriots, he should be a long-term starter due to his personality on and off the field.

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