After an outstanding junior season, Washington Huskies running back Chris Polk has officially declared for the NFL Draft. Polk has also signed with Caric Sports Management. St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson and former Washington linebacker Mason Foster are both clients under CSM.
Polk displayed his tough running style throughout his junior season, compiling 1488 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The second-leading rusher in Washington history also hauled in 332 receiving yards and four touchdowns this past season. His receiving abilities make him even a more valuable offensive weapon for NFL teams.
SB Nation's Mocking The Draft currently has Polk ranked as the No. 60 overall prospect and No. 4 running back prospect. Running backs ranked ahead of Polk include Temple's Bernard Pierce at No. 51, Virginia Tech's David Wilson at No. 18 and Alabama's Trent Richardson at No. 3. Oregon's LaMichael James is ranked No. 77 overall.
Currently, Polk is projected to go anywhere from late in the first round to the second round of the draft. Fantasy Football Jungle's latest mock draft has Polk going No. 17 overall to the Cincinnati Bengals:
Cedric Benson is aging and has a lot of carries on his body. Polk is a complete back.
WalterFootball.com also has Polk going to the Bengals because of Benson's status, but has Cincinnati picking him in the second round at No. 53.
Lastly, Bloguin's Optimum Scouting has Polk going No. 23 overall to the Cleveland Browns:
After showing that Colt McCoy isn't in the long-term plans with the Robert Griffin pick, the same may be said for Peyton Hillis at running back. Chris Polk is a Top 20 talent and a fantastic, complete running back with ideal bulk, power, versatility, and vision, and could give the Browns two staples to build around on offense.
NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers will get their next look at Polk later on this month. Polk will join former teammates Senio Kelemete and Alameda Ta'amu in the Senior Bowl on January 28th.
For all news and information regarding the Washington Huskies, please visit UW Dawg Pound. For perspective on the Cincinnati Bengals, head on over to Cincy Jungle.