Javon Baker

Javon Baker couldn't sniff the field at Alabama (he wanted the ball), so he transferred to UCF during the last two seasons of his college tenure. He enjoyed two strong seasons with the Knights, posting dominator ratings of 23% and 31%. The 6-foot-1 and 202-pound WR was a big-play savant, owning the second-highest yards per reception (21.9) nationally in 2023. He ended the season 5th in yards per route run among the 2024 WR draft class (3.21). Reminds me a ton of DeVonta Smith from a route-running and body control perspective. But Baker has more size and YAC to his game. He was drafted by the Patriots in Round 4, but could make some noise on a relatively weak depth chart. Even though the Patriots drafted Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk two rounds ahead of Baker, I think the 4th-rounder offers a much higher ceiling as a potential alpha in New England's passing game. Baker finished fourth in targets and third in receptions of 20-plus air yards in 2023. The only other WRs in the class to do so? The consensus top-four (Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers) who all were selected in Round 1.

The New England Patriots have selected WR Javon Baker with the No. 110 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

Baker becomes the second wide receiver drafted by the Patriots after they selected Ja'Lynn Polk in round two. Baker collected over 1,100 yards this past season at Central Florida after starting his college career at Alabama. He led the Big 12 in receiving yards this past season.