The Patriots didn’t see Keenan Allen as a fit when the Chargers traded him to the Bears in exchange for a fourth-round pick. But they did draft a player who molds his game after the All-Pro wide receiver.
Ja’Lynn Polk, whom the Patriots drafted 37th overall after trading down in the draft with the Chargers, mentioned Allen and former Texans All-Pro Andre Johnson when asked who he molds his game after.
“Keenan Allen is one of those guys who made a major factor of who I watch on film. His ability just to make guys miss and go up and keep his balance and go get those extra yards and having that certain dawg mentality of going to lead his team. His releases are pretty good, so watching his releases, the things that he does for him to be able to create separation is elite. I always try to find an opportunity to watch guys that are elite at what they do because there’s a reason why they’re doing what they’re doing.”
Polk, at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds, has similar size to the 6-foot-2, 211-pound Allen. Neither player is known as a speed demon, but both receivers have the ability to play all three wide receiver spots in an offense.