Javon Baker

Javon Baker's path to the NFL took a significant turn when he transferred from Alabama to UCF, where he excelled with impressive dominator ratings in his final two seasons. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Baker's skill set as a big-play threat was evident, highlighted by his high average yards per reception and yards after catch ability. Often compared to DeVonta Smith, Baker brings added size and route-running prowess to the table. Drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round, he joins a team with a relatively thin receiver depth chart, offering him ample opportunity to shine. Despite being chosen after Ja'Lynn Polk, Baker's consistent ability to make plays downfield suggests a high ceiling and the potential to emerge as a key figure in New England's passing game.

Baker is a well-rounded receiver. Quick feet eat, and Baker has them. Lightning in and out of breaks with crisp change of direction. Baker is a strong route runner with a blazing first step who deploys head fakes and subtle changes of direction, and jab steps to earn separation. He has good long speed (likely 4.5), but it's not elite speed. On go routes, there are some corners he can run by, but in many instances, he has to earn space with those routes with his savvy, which he does regularly. Since 2022, he has ranked 18th among all FBS wide receivers in explosive plays. He offers some YAC ability with a combination of shifty feet, play strength, and good vision in traffic. Baker offers a nice pairing of quick twitch and toughness. Baker's strong hands and impressive body control equal a large catch radius. He has plenty of back-shoulder catches made in the air on tape while also sporting some shoestring grabs as well. Last season, among 98 qualifying receivers, he was 20th in contested catch rate. Baker can develop into a high-volume receiver at the next level. He could walk into an NFL offense as the immediate WR2. Dynasty Outlook: Baker is one of "MY GUYS" in this draft class. I'll be drafting him as much as possible, as he could easily be the WR1 for the New England Patriots by the end of the season. While I would have loved for him to get drafted on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, it was always a distinct possibility that he fell to early Day 3. The small school production and the good but not amazing athletic testing helped to push his draft stock lower than it should have been. With Kendrick Bourne starting on the outside this year and Ja'Lynn Polk likely taking over slot duties, Baker should be able to push for starting reps against Juju Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton. Baker should be gone by the end of the second round of every rookie draft. If he's not, and we are in a league together, expect a knock at your door.