Patriots select guard Layden Robinson in fourth round of 2024 draft

Author Matt Dolloff

April 27th 12:28 PM

With the 103rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected guard Layden Robinson out of Texas A&M.

Robinson has good enough size at 6-foot-3 and 302 pounds, with 34 ⅝-inch arms. He earned second team All-SEC honors as a senior in 2023, starting 11 games at right guard.

Lance Zierlein’s scouting report at NFL.com generally describes him as a solid blocker with good physical tools, with room for improvement in pass protection, and as a player who needs to show more consistency to have success at the NFL level.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: Layden Robinson #OL61 of Texas A&M participates in a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Robinson becomes the fourth pick for the Patriots in the 2024 class, and the fourth on the offensive side of the ball. The Pats drafted quarterback Drake Maye out of UNC with the No. 3 overall pick, then added Washington wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk with the 37th pick in the second round and Penn State tackle Caedan Wallace with the 68th pick in the third round.

Robinson will join a crowded interior O-line group with guards Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, and Atonio Mafi, center/guard Jake Andrews, and center David Andrews. The pressure should be off Robinson to play right away, as Strange and Sow remain the projected starters. However, this pick, combined with the three IOL picks in the 2023 draft, could signify that Strange’s future with the Patriots is in question.

As of this writing, the Patriots still have four picks to go in the 2024 draft. They have pick No. 110 in the fourth round, picks 180 and 193 in the sixth round, and No. 231 in the seventh round.

Get complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Check out all of Matt’s content.

What the draft experts are saying about new Patriots WR Ja'Lynn Polk

• Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

  “Wideout with good size who posted a productive final season to build upon during the draft process. 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. Polk’s speed proved slightly below average at the NFL Scouting Combine, but his other numbers were strong enough for him to receive consideration starting late on Day 2 of the draft.”

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• Dane Brugler, The Athletic

  “A three-year starter at Washington, Polk lined up both inside and outside in former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s spread scheme (58.7 percent wide, 41.1 percent slot). After one season at Texas Tech, his production steadily increased during each of his three seasons with Washington, including a career year in 2023 as the secondary option (behind Odunze) for Michael Penix Jr. With his adjustment skills and hand -eye coordination, Polk doesn’t require perfect ball placement when targeted, regardless of the route or depth. He can comfortably gear up and down, but he needs to fine tune his press and break-point skills. Overall, Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is natural athlete addressing the football, with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he was coming out of Tennessee.”

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• Derrik Klassen, Bleacher Report

  “Ja’Lynn Polk is an accuracy-erasing receiver who can play both inside and outside…Polk is a ball-winning No. 2 WR in the NFL. He can dunk on DBs down the field and in the red zone, as well as serve as an underneath bully type on the outside to help move the chains. Polk may not be the star in an NFL offense, but he can be a reliable high-level contributor.”

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• Ian Cummings, Pro Football Network

  “Polk grades out as a top-50 prospect and a fringe first-round talent in the 2024 NFL Draft on my board. Schematically, he’s one of the most diverse receivers in the class, and he also has the catch-point reliability and RAC skills to win his quarterback over quickly. At 6’2″, 204 pounds, Polk passes the desired athleticism threshold with excellent explosiveness, agility, and smooth fluidity in all phases. And while he’s not a burner, he has enough speed to stress vertically and create late-snap separation on tight throws. Polk’s fluidity as an athlete grants him all-encompassing versatility, both as a separator and an offensive weapon. He can be used on motions and on multiple planes, and when working against stems in off-man and zone, he has the angle IQ, deceptive intent, and throttle control to create space for himself.

  Without a doubt, however, Polk’s best trait is his finishing ability at the catch point. Polk’s blend of body control, coordination, timing, and ball-tracking ability culminates in elite catching instincts, and his hands are almost infallible. He snares passes with the ease and authority of a Venus flytrap, and he doesn’t let go. Polk still has room to keep growing as a route runner, particularly against press-man coverage, and he’s not an elite RAC threat without overwhelming speed or mass. Nevertheless, Polk is a supremely well-rounded three-level threat, who can be an impact starter at the movement-Z spot very early in his career — and a go-to option on must-have downs with his hands of steel.”

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• Damian Parson, The Draft Network

  “One of the first things I noticed when studying Ja’Lynn Polk was his competitiveness. He believes every pass belongs to him and plays with that possessive mentality. He is aggressive at the catch point and plays above the rim well. He attacks the ball with full extension and the full use of his frame and limbs. He has converted 51% of his contested catches into receptions. Polk has strong hand-eye coordination that allows him to make these tightly contested catches look routine.

  Polk’s play speed is sufficient and effective at being a reliable deep-threat receiver. His average depth of target hovers around 13-15 yards over the last three seasons. With free releases, he can gear up to top speed and glide past flat-footed defenders down the field. Deep overs, posts, and double moves allow him to attack single coverage down the field. Polk possesses a strong burst after the catch to gain additional yardage. I love how patient and late Polk’s hands are as the football arrives. He doesn’t give the DB many keys to turn and locate the football.

  Polk is not the most nuanced route-runner. He is solid and above average, but there can be struggles versus tight man coverage at the next level. Polk gives slight tells, detailing when he is preparing to gear down or break at the top of his route. There are moments of wasted movements that can be cleaned up or sharpened with coaching. Defeating handsy CBs in the contact window is underwhelming.

  Overall, Polk projects as a starting WR2/3 for an offense with a versatile role. He can align in multiple WR positions and be effective. Polk has some possession receiver vibes to his game. He compares to Robert Woods. If placed in stacked and bunch sets, he will have an easier path to success.”

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• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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Author Matt Dolloff

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