Patriots rookie sends message to doubters amid low expectations

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk confidently declared before this year's draft that he "will win a Super Bowl" and "will be All-Pro."

Thus, it isn't all that surprising that the second-round draft pick has something to say about those expecting the Patriots to endure a third-straight losing season amid the club's ongoing rebuild.

"I keep notes on everything," Polk said, via Keagan Stiefel of NESN. "I see all the stuff they put out there about us...so if you're not with us right now, when it's all said and done, don't get on the train."

New England missed the playoffs three times across the past four seasons before team owner Robert Kraft parted ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick and replaced him with first-time head coach Jerod Mayo. Regardless of what outsiders previously thought about the Patriots possibly needing a new voice in their locker room, few would argue the club has glaring holes all over its roster.

As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Patriots at +155 betting odds to win over 5.5 games in Mayo's debut season. At that same time, DraftKings had New England as a +900 betting underdog to make the playoffs.

Also on Thursday, Mayo spoke about the "leadership ability" Polk has flashed from spring workouts through the early days of training camp. Polk later addressed that topic.

"My job is to know what I'm doing at all times," Polk explained. "I don't want to just know one thing, I want to know everything. That's my mindset, understanding everyone around me -- their assignments. When we get into tough situations or we're facing some type of adversity, I want to be able to communicate and help those around me."

On paper, there are few reasons for non-diehard fans to feel excited about the 2024 Patriots as rookie quarterback Drake Maye reportedly struggles through summer practices. Polk keeping receipts probably won't be enough for New England to shock the football world through Week 18, but the first-year pro seems to possess traits needed to become an important part of the franchise turning things around under Mayo.