Browns 2024 Combine Preview Husky Wide Receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan

Out on the West Coast, Washington Huskies Ja’Lynn Polk and Jalen McMillan are two probable draft picks for the Cleveland Browns.

This past season, the Washington Huskies possessed America’s most top passing attack. With quarterback Michael Penix Jr. at the helm, the trio of Rome Odunze, Ja’Lynn Polk, and Jalen McMillan proved difficult to contain.

It is extremely rare for a team’s entire skill group to be drafted, let alone for an entire skill group to be selected in the first 60 picks of the NFL Draft.

That could be the case with this pack of Huskies.

While Odunze and Penix may be picked early in the first round, Polk and McMillan might be viable alternatives for Cleveland at 54.

Polk has the upper hand between the two in my opinion. While I think both are terrific players, if I had to choose between them, I’d go with Polk.

Polk was spectacular in 2023. He concluded the season with nine touchdown catches and 1,159 receiving yards. He has seven 100-yard games, his best being a five-catch, 148-yard, two-touchdown performance versus Stanford.

He possesses perhaps the best hands in the wide receiver draft class. Draft expert Field Yates referred to his hands as “vice grips” and stated, “I’m not just talking about miracle catches…” I’m talking about a guy that simply keeps clawing the football.”

Polk, who is 6’2, shown his ability to spread the field vertically while still being willing to explore the center. What he lacks in quickness, he compensates for with straight-line speed and an incredible ability to snag the football. Polk is someone who could come in and have an immediate impact on the Browns’ offense.

McMillan, when healthy, possessed the explosive gene, as did Polk and Odunze. McMillan is 6’1″ and has scorching speed, which may be game-changing at the next level.

What I like best about McMillan’s game is that he is a successful slot player. Not every wide receiver can be good both outside and in the slot, but McMillan is the type of player who can.

McMillan’s negative is that he has a history of injuries, particularly in 2023. He played in only seven games for the Huskies, but his output remained consistent. In those seven games, he had more than six catches four times and more than 100 yards twice.

His fit in Cleveland might be more suited to what the Browns are building on offense. He could run alongside Elijah Moore and be a number one with Amari Cooper.

That’s the story of Polk and McMillan, both of whom are from the Upper Northwest, and the Cleveland Browns may have the opportunity to select them in the second round of this year’s NFL Draft.