Patriots Rookie Javon Baker Claims To Be A Top-10 Wide Receiver In The NFL

Seven of the New England Patriots’ eight picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were used on offensive players. The No. 110 and Patriots’ fourth overall pick, Javon Baker, has already claimed to be a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL.

A UCF product, Baker first spoke with Patriots reporters following his selection, saying, “Bring your popcorn – I make people in wheelchairs stand up,” when asked about his game. In a recent Instagram story post, he said there is no way that there are ten better receivers than him in the league.

In his last year at UCF, Baker caught 52 passes for 1,129 yards and seven touchdowns, earning a first-team All-Big 12 selection. He led his conference in receiving yards and averaged 21.9 yards per reception, which ranked second in the FBS. NFL Draft expert Chris Trapasso and CBS Sports gave the Patriots’ selection an A+ grade.

“This is a future No. 1 wideout,” Trapasso said. “While not a burner, he plays faster and has the complete skill set. Releases at the line are good, flexibility to get open at intermediate level, YAC prowess and especially rebounding skills are high-end.”

Baker will undoubtedly be able to contribute quickly in New England under new head coach Jerod Mayo. The Patriots’ wide receiver room currently consists of Kendrick Bourne, DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, JuJu Smith-Schuster and the Patriots’ second-round pick, Ja’Lynn Polk.

He wants to do more than contribute, though. Baker clearly believes that he will take the league by storm in his rookie year, much like Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua did last season.

The Patriots’ offense could certainly use a boost after having the third-worst offense in the league last year, per ESPN rankings. They accumulated 4,696 total yards, and their top receiver, DeMario Douglas, only totaled 561 receiving yards. Nonetheless, Patriots fans will hope Baker’s high confidence levels are justified next season.

Article by Nathan Weick

USports writing intern and second year student-athlete at Juniata College in Huntingdon, PA pursuing BA in Professional Writing and BA in Spanish/Hispanic Cultures. Juniata College Mens Soccer Captain and former president of the Juniata College Class of 2026.