Time is now for Patriots to unleash rookie receivers

FOXBOROUGH – Drake Maye saw the promise this offseason. The talented Patriots rookie says he’s continued to see it in practice this season.

Maye also understands that Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker now need to show that potential in an NFL game.

With four weeks left in the 2024 NFL season, the Patriots are hoping to see younger players step up and show they’ll be part of the solution. For Polk and Baker, the time to step up starts this weekend in Arizona.

“I think they know that. Those guys, you see it in their eyes, see it in the way they’re practicing. ‘Hey, this is a step for me to showcase what I can do,’” Maye said. “Especially the guys in my class. I think they’re ready for it. I’m going to give them some chances. It’s on me, too to give them some chances. Not going to force the ball but give some opportunities to go make some plays. You see it in practice. You just want to see it in the games.”

BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.

Therein lies the issues with Polk and Baker. This summer, both rookies had outstanding moments. Through the weeks in August, Polk put together one of the best training camps for a Patriots rookie receiver in recent memory. His performance closely resembled DeMario Douglas in 2023.

The second-round pick finished camp with a team-leading 39 receptions in team drills. Polk was consistent and made quality catches every practice. He even looked like one of the team’s best red-zone threats.

It was similar to 2023 when Douglas finished with 42 receptions in camp. Douglas, a sixth-round pick, then went out and put together the best season for a rookie receiver in the Bill Belichick era, finishing with 49 receptions and 561 receiving yards.

Douglas said his confidence never wavered as a rookie and his advice to Polk and Baker would be to believe in themselves.

“Just hone in on the playbook and go out there and play with confidence,” Douglas said. “When you go out there and don’t have no confidence, you go out there dizzy – not knowing what to do. You go out there and bring that confidence, you bring that swagger to the field.”

Douglas averaged 40.1 receiving yards per game as a rookie last season. Neither Polk nor Baker have come close to that. Polk (12 catches for 87 yards) is averaging 7.3 yards per game. Over the last seven games, Polk has three catches on 12 targets for 13 yards and a touchdown.

Baker has one target this year and is still searching for his first catch. Unlike Polk (who’s played 401 offensive snaps), Baker hasn’t received many opportunities. The fourth-round pick has played 32 offensive snaps this season as a backup to Kayshon Boutte, who leads all Patriots receivers with 565 snaps played.

Baker, who has one target this season, showed the ability to make deep, contested catches in training camp. It’s unknown if he’ll be able to play this weekend as he missed Wednesday’s practice due to a concussion.

We’ll see if the rookie receivers more in the final four weeks.

As Maye noted, Polk and Baker continue to perform well in practice. Now, it’s time for the Patriots to unleash the rookies and let them show what they can do.

Veteran receiver Kendrick Bourne said his advice for the pair is to make the most out of these last games.

“Just keep playing,” Bourne said. “Opportunities are going to present themselves and just make the plays when they come.”