Photo by The 2024 NFL Draft has been a wild ride for the Washington Huskies, with a total of seven players drafted so far. In the second round, Ja’Lynn Polk was snatched up by the New England Patriots with the 37th overall pick, while Roger Rosengarten was taken by the Baltimore Ravens at 62nd overall. The third round saw Bralen Trice chosen by the Atlanta Falcons with the 74th overall pick, and Jalen McMillan was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 92.
The 2024 NFL Draft has been a successful one for the Washington Huskies.
As I reflect on the draft, I can’t help but think about the journey these players have been on. Ja’Lynn Polk, a wide receiver from Lufkin, Texas, joined the Husky program from Texas Tech prior to the 2021 season. After missing most of that season due to an injury, he played in all 28 games in 2022 and 2023, capping his career with 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns last fall.
Ja’Lynn Polk has had an impressive college career.
Roger Rosengarten, an offensive tackle from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, played four seasons as a Husky, starting all 25 games over the last two seasons at right tackle. He was a key part of an offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award, as the nation’s top offensive line unit.
Roger Rosengarten was a key part of the Huskies’ offensive line.
Bralen Trice, an edge rusher from Phoenix, Arizona, spent five seasons in a Husky uniform, playing in every game over the last three years, and earning the team’s defensive MVP award in each of the last two. He was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection, and was named first-team All-America by Pro Football Focus in 2023.
Bralen Trice has been a dominant force on the defensive line.
Jalen McMillan, a wideout from Fresno, California, was a regular contributor in all four of his seasons in Seattle. Limited by an injury early in the 2023 season, his best year came in 2022, when he caught 79 passes for 1,098 yards, both of those totals ranking among the top-10 in Husky history. He finished his college career with 164 catches for 2,143 yards.
Jalen McMillan has had a stellar college career.
On Thursday, three Huskies were selected in the first round of the draft. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was selected by the Falcons with the eighth overall pick, and was followed by wide receiver Rome Odunze, who went to the Bears at No. 9. Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu was picked up by the Steelers with the No. 20 overall selection.
The 2024 NFL Draft has been a successful one for the Washington Huskies.
As I look back on the draft, I’m reminded of the hard work and dedication these players have put in to get to this point. It’s a testament to the Husky program and the talent that comes out of it. I’m excited to see what the future holds for these players in the NFL.
The future is bright for these NFL rookies.
