New England Patriots wide receivers coach Todd Downing believes that second-year wideouts Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are due for fresh starts after rough rookie campaigns.
Polk, a second-round draft pick in 2024, recorded only 12 catches for 87 yards and a touchdown on the season. There was hope that he'd provide an immediate boost to the offense, but he struggled on the field and his playing time waned as a result.
He was only targeted three times in the final four games.
Things weren't any better for Baker, a 2024 fourth-round draft pick who only caught one pass for 12 yards. Downing believes the two young receivers have the talent to bounce back in 2025, as transcribed by MassLive’s Karen Guregian.
“It’s one of the reasons I was really excited to accept this job. There’s a lot of talent, and young talent in that room,” Downing said, when asked about Polk, Baker and the other young wide receivers. “I think that fresh start mentality that we were discussing earlier gives everyone a chance to say: ‘I’m gonna bring my skillset and see where I can develop it.‘’’
The wide receiver room would benefit from Polk and Baker making a second-year leap. It would pave the way for a more explosive unit that reaches its full potential.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots WR coach's reason for optimism with struggling receivers
