Who Should I Start? Ja'Lynn Polk or Isaac TeSlaa

Tuesday, August 12, 12:39 AM

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (shoulder) was on the outside looking in of beat reporter Chad Graff of The Athletic's latest 53-man roster projection. Graff notes that the shoulder injury Polk suffered in the team's first preseason game on Friday "further hurts his chances at making the team." Polk had a horrible rookie season in 2024, recording 12 catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games (seven starts). Even still, it would be a rapid fall from grace to see him get cut before his second season, given that he was the 37th overall pick of the 2024 draft. Graff has 2024 fourth-rounder Javon Baker making the team as the WR6 ahead of Polk.

Monday, August 11, 6:06 PM

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa "has been turning heads in camp and is working his way into a role within the offense," according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. The Lions love "his all-out effort every snap, his strong hands/ability at the catch point, and the way his blocking in the run game stands out," which is important for head coach Dan Campbell. Schultz thinks TeSlaa is a player to watch this year, especially after the Lions made a bold move to trade up to grab him in the third round in this year's NFL draft. The 6-foot-4, 214-pounder has 57 receiving yards and a touchdown in two preseason games working with backup quarterback Kyle Allen, and if he continues to produce, he could factor into the WR3 role alongside Tim Patrick this year. TeSlaa's college production didn't stand out, but he has the size and athleticism to make some noise.