New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is still optimistic about rookie receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, despite their first-year struggles at the NFL level.
It’s clear the year hasn’t gone the way anyone expected for either rookie receiver. Polk has 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns on the season, while Baker has been targeted twice with no recorded statistics.
The microscope has been on Polk in particular due to him being outplayed by several other rookie wideouts.
“It’s tough. Like I’ve said before with [Polk], coming in as a rookie you don’t always light it up in your first year,” Van Pelt told media members. “It takes some time to adjust to the pro game. Tons of confidence in Polk. Baker as well.
“Excited to get those guys going. If we can get them going this year, great. If not, then an offseason again to help them learn in this system. Things don’t go your way, you just have to pull yourself out of it, and that’s what we’ll continue to encourage with Polk. But I’m not down on him at all.”
Production from both Polk and Baker would go a long way in the Patriots feeling more comfortable about the offensive development for the future.
More struggles could mean an even steeper climb for the young wideouts with the Patriots likely eyeing wide receiver help in the offseason.