MARSHALL, Texas — An third East Texans just went pro!
Marshall's Tahj Washington 's Ja'Lynn Polk was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Washington, a wide receiver out of the University of Southern California, was given a 5.90 prospect grade which is equivalent to "average backup or special-teamer" in the NFL.
"[He's a] wideout with good size who posted a productive final season to build upon during the draft process," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said of Polk. "Polk might not have the early acceleration to overtake and stack NFL press corners. He also lacks ideal suddenness getting in and out of his breaks as a route runner. He runs routes with consistent pace -- including through his stems and turns -- which can create some freedom. However, Polk shines once the ball goes up. He can carve out space near the boundary, catch with strong hands when contested and track and finish when he heads deep."
"Washington’s measurables could work against him during the evaluation process, but his competitiveness and consistency should balance that out somewhat," NFL analyst Lance Zierlein said of Washington. He is a slot-only prospect with ordinary burst but above-average route acumen. He rarely creates big separation windows but makes up for it with an impressive win rate on contested catches. He’s fearless into the middle of the field and is a willing run blocker out of three-wide receiver sets. Washington is a talented return man and has some real dog in him on coverage teams. He should go on Day 3 and will fight for a roster spot as a WR5 with special teams value."
