WR Javon Baker, NE (1 Viewer)

[Anarchy99]

they fall out of contention at some point.

They already have. They are working to see who they can roster that is worth further developing to determine if those players can be around long enough for when they get competitive again.

 

[jtd13]

they fall out of contention at some point.

They already have. They are working to see who they can roster that is worth further developing to determine if those players can be around long enough for when they get competitive again.

Hey, if they have that self awareness right now, good on them. It just seems like that's not how NFL teams usually operate. My main point is Baker is a hold for the 2nd half of the season, and if he doesn't show something he is an easy guy to upgrade over for both the pats and dynasty owners. I am not particularly surprised or deterred that he's lower on the depth chart week 1.

 

[Boston]

Still lots of upside with Baker but lots that need working on. Him playing into the 4th quarter of the final preseason game doesn’t bode well to his place on the otherwise wide open WR depth chart. Wouldn’t be surprised if he’s a game day inactive more often than not for his rookie season. Douglas, Polk, Thornton, Bourne (when healthy) all ahead of him, and I imagine they’ll hold Osborn too as a veteran.

At the end of the day he’s still a Day 3 prospect who still needs work on his route running and catching the ball with more consistency. Here’s hoping he shows enough improvement over the course of the season to make an impact at some point

I feel very strongly (and I'd love to be wrong) that the Pats future #1 is not currently on the team.

If there's an NFL wr1 on the pats, my money is on Baker.

But yeah, there probably isn't an NFL wr1 on the pats. I'm holding through the year to find out.

I would definitely go Polk over Baker although I don't think he's a #1 either...hoping Polk is a quality, reliable #2...Baker flashed early but it is becoming more and more apparent he has legit holes in his game that may limit his upside...I just don't see him being able to take that type of leap.

Yeah, I would take Polk over him as well. Polk's much more likely to be a solid contributor. I just think Baker is the only one with WR1 upside, however unlikely it is he hits that upside.

Baker seems to have an "exciting" part of his game and can make big plays...hoping he can become a big play threat, especially since Maye can chuck it...just don't think he has the talent or game to be a legit #1.

 

[BIRDGANG52]

I'm not sure Baker will see the field much this season. For whatever sense it makes, the Pats apparently are ready to roll with Douglas, Osborn, and Thornton as their starting WR group. Bourne is expected to take on a significant role and should be one of the starters upon his return. And Polk has earned praise and adulation throughout camp while Baker has fallen to the back of the WR pack over the last several weeks. That likely will slot him as their WR5. At this point, Baker could be compared to Boutte (who is on the roster bubble and may have to settle for a practice squad spot if he can clear waivers). Both guys were Day 3 picks with upside . . . but we'll have to see if they can stick around and develop into something.

Baker still needs a lot of coaching. I think they gave him some run earlier because they wanted to see what they had in him. I think they now know they have a very athletic, high upside prospect who is still wet behind the ears. Doesn't seem to me he was coached very well at UCF and the coaches probably felt lucky to have a kid of his pedigree at their school, that they probably let him do whatever he wanted.


All that to say, he's not a professional yet.

 

[Bri]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

My god he sounds like a moron

 

[eighsse2]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

My god he sounds like a moron

Just IR'ed Pearsall and was debating whether to pick up Quentin Johnston, Baker, or Laube. It's very likely none of those was a worthwhile choice, but I'm currently glad I picked Johnston.

 

[Bri]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

My god he sounds like a moron

Just IR'ed Pearsall and was debating whether to pick up Quentin Johnston, Baker, or Laube. It's very likely none of those was a worthwhile choice, but I'm currently glad I picked Johnston.

I went with Osborn
I got Van Arthurson in another

 

[EBF]

My favorite WR sleeper in this rookie class, although I wasn't aware of any off-field issues.

I don't love that, but if we're being honest, it's not as if you need to be a wonderful human to be productive in the NFL.

I think he has a Cotchery-like skill set. Good possession guy with RAC ability and some jump ball skills.

 

[rodalive]

I don't love that, but if we're being honest, it's not as if you need to be a wonderful human to be productive in the NFL.

But you have to be good at football

 

[massraider]

I don't love that, but if we're being honest, it's not as if you need to be a wonderful human to be productive in the NFL.

No, and I am not sure complaining about a ticket is a sign someone is a less than wonderful person.

Coach Mayo sure threw him under the bus.

Patriots rookie WR Javon Baker went on Instagram Live Sunday, and said he was upset getting a ticket from an officer while dropping someone off at the airport. He criticized the officer. Patriots coach Jerod Mayo on the matter: "[It] in no way represents what the organization is about, in no way represents what we are about as a team, or how Javon needs to go out there and represent himself. We've handled it internally. We had a great conversation. I think it's a combination of immaturity and just realizing the grand scheme -- we're on a big stage here and you can't do those things. As far as our relationship with law enforcement and things like that, I think it's outstanding and we'll continue to strengthen that relationship going forward."Mayo added that Baker has been disciplined, but the level of discipline doesn't rise "to the level of missing a game."

Well, it sure is good news to hear that going on your own social media to complain about something doesn't warrant missing a game check. That's really good news, Coach Mayo!!

Doing something stupid (like criticizing the State Police): Not an indictment of character, and certainly not worthy of DISCIPLINE.

 

[Anarchy99]

I’m still trying to figure out where the love for Baker is (at least in the short term). He’s 7th on the depth chart on a team with likely the worst offense in the league. Likely worst OL in the league, rookie coaching staff, not great QB situation. His stock has been trending down the last month within the team, not up. What’s to like in this situation that I am missing?

 

[Bri]

In Kyed's mail bag he expects Javon to be inactive

 

[eighsse2]

Well, it sure is good news to hear that going on your own social media to complain about something doesn't warrant missing a game check. That's really good news, Coach Mayo!!

Mayo said it doesn't warrant missing a game, not a game check. Inactives still get paid, right?

 

[eighsse2]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

My god he sounds like a moron

Just IR'ed Pearsall and was debating whether to pick up Quentin Johnston, Baker, or Laube. It's very likely none of those was a worthwhile choice, but I'm currently glad I picked Johnston.

I went with Osborn
I got Van Arthurson in another

Van Jefferson?

 

[Anarchy99]

In Kyed's mail bag he expects Javon to be inactive

I'd go one better. Once Bourne comes back, it wouldn't surprise me if Baker got any sort of minor injury, they could put him on IR and effectively redshirt him until next year. At least the old regime would have considered doing that. Hard to tell what the new brass could do with him.

 

[Bri]

Patriots punish rookie WR Javon Baker for angry video rant

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo revealed on Monday that the team has punished rookie wide receiver Javon Baker for his angry Instagram live rant. Baker went live in a social media video on Sunday after receiving a traffic ticket and called out police officers

patriotswire.usatoday.com

My god he sounds like a moron

Just IR'ed Pearsall and was debating whether to pick up Quentin Johnston, Baker, or Laube. It's very likely none of those was a worthwhile choice, but I'm currently glad I picked Johnston.

I went with Osborn
I got Van Arthurson in another

Van Jefferson?

Yeah. He's a starter that never lost his spot through camp so ..end of roster...

 

[Bri]

In Kyed's mail bag he expects Javon to be inactive

I'd go one better. Once Bourne comes back, it wouldn't surprise me if Baker got any sort of minor injury, they could put him on IR and effectively redshirt him until next year. At least the old regime would have considered doing that. Hard to tell what the new brass could do with him.

Wow

Two weeks? Not long ago I was reading a good bit of hype about him

 

[Anarchy99]

In Kyed's mail bag he expects Javon to be inactive

I'd go one better. Once Bourne comes back, it wouldn't surprise me if Baker got any sort of minor injury, they could put him on IR and effectively redshirt him until next year. At least the old regime would have considered doing that. Hard to tell what the new brass could do with him.

Wow

Two weeks? Not long ago I was reading a good bit of hype about him

The WR depth chart as of now is most likely Bourne (on PUP), Douglas, Osborn, Thorton, Polk, Boutte, and Baker. Boutte and Baker are seemingly neck and neck near the bottom of the depth chart. They aren't going to have 7 WR active on game day (they likely won't have 6 guys suit up either).

Baker made some nice grabs earlier in training camp (mostly in padded practice in drills) but hasn't done much since then. He's had some drops and hasn't run crisp routes, so the perception is he's taken a backseat the last couple of weeks. In the 3 preseason games, Baker had 15 targets, 5 receptions, and 56 receiving yards (3 catches with Maye and 2 with Milton). He didn't play with the starters, and he I don't believe he played with the first group of receivers when Maye came in. Most of his time was with the backups playing against backups (and usually deep into the second half or to closeout games). Who knows how much live action he will see, if he's on the active game day roster, chances are he will be inactive, and they probably don't want to try to get him to the practice squad. In summary, not sure what they will do with him or how they can try to make use of him.

 

[FarFromHome]

Kinda surprise he is inactive today

 

[HW_53]

Kinda surprise he is inactive today

Yeah, not a good omen, especially with Bourne on IR. Once he returns, it essentially bumps Baker even further down the depth chart. Maybe he is just another example in the long list of camp mirages.

 

[Boston]

Kinda surprise he is inactive today

Unfortunately, I'm not surprised...after a great start to camp he cooled off considerably...the question is is he inactive because of how he is playing or is this sending a message about toning things down a bit.

 

[eighsse2]

Kinda surprise he is inactive today

I'm not too surprised. Mayo claimed he wouldn't miss a game due to his rant on social media, but they were very unhappy with him. So it wouldn't surprise me if that is why -- or partially why -- he's inactive, even though that seems to contradict the coach's words.

Similar threads

Jonas Gray (RB - New England)

Promoted from practice squad this afternoon, and active for tonight's game vs NYJ. We can discuss him here. Go.

forums.footballguys.com

 

[Bri]

@DougKyed
·
3m
Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker has the talent to play, but OC Alex Van Pelt wants to see him line up correctly and run the right routes before giving him more snaps.

 

[Bri]

@DougKyed
·
3m
Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker has the talent to play, but OC Alex Van Pelt wants to see him line up correctly and run the right routes before giving him more snaps.

Idk if this is that he's ignorant or thinks he's hot stuff or what but it very much makes me question his college coach's ability

 

[Faust]

Mark Daniels

"(Javon) Baker had a "hiccup" in London last week when it came to following at least one part of the team's itinerary, according to a team source, and was inactive for a third straight game."

x.com

x.com

 

[JohnnyU]

Has already become waiver wire fodder, even in dynasty leagues. That didn't take long did it.

 

[eighsse2]

Both NE rookie receivers are looking awful. Shocking.

 

[Bad_Mo2]

Both NE rookie receivers are looking awful. Shocking.

Eliot Wolf better lose his job after this season. Polk was his first real pick and he missed horribly.

 

[Boone22]

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said “The last couple weeks, he’s put together great weeks of practice. Now hopefully he gets an opportunity to play some receiver”
when asked about rookie WR Javon Baker.

“He’s an explosive player. We need to see that on Sunday,” Mayo continued. He sure seems to be hinting at a real role for Baker against the Titans this week. Baker was finally active in Week 8 for the first time since Week 2. It sounds like he could be coming for Tyquan Thornton and K.J. Osborn’s snap shares in Week 9, and could possibly go further in the pecking order if he looks good against Tennessee.

 

[JohnnyU]

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said “The last couple weeks, he’s put together great weeks of practice. Now hopefully he gets an opportunity to play some receiver”
when asked about rookie WR Javon Baker.

“He’s an explosive player. We need to see that on Sunday,” Mayo continued. He sure seems to be hinting at a real role for Baker against the Titans this week. Baker was finally active in Week 8 for the first time since Week 2. It sounds like he could be coming for Tyquan Thornton and K.J. Osborn’s snap shares in Week 9, and could possibly go further in the pecking order if he looks good against Tennessee.

I still have a mental block about Patriot WRs. Probably to my detriment.

 

[menobrown]

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said “The last couple weeks, he’s put together great weeks of practice. Now hopefully he gets an opportunity to play some receiver”

Why would be be hoping? Does he not have the authority to activate him and put him in the lineup.

It sounds like he could be coming for Tyquan Thornton

Not sure this matters to anyone but heard yesterday the Cowboys are heavily engaged in working on a trade for Thornton.

 

[Anarchy99]

Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said “The last couple weeks, he’s put together great weeks of practice. Now hopefully he gets an opportunity to play some receiver”
when asked about rookie WR Javon Baker.

“He’s an explosive player. We need to see that on Sunday,” Mayo continued. He sure seems to be hinting at a real role for Baker against the Titans this week. Baker was finally active in Week 8 for the first time since Week 2. It sounds like he could be coming for Tyquan Thornton and K.J. Osborn’s snap shares in Week 9, and could possibly go further in the pecking order if he looks good against Tennessee.

I still have a mental block about Patriot WRs. Probably to my detriment.

Baker was active against the Jets . . . to the tune of 5 snaps on special teams (none on offense). Osborn and Thornton combined for 21 snaps, 4 targets, 20 receiving yards, and 0 TD. The writeup sure sounds good, though.

 

[Anarchy99]

Not sure this matters to anyone but heard yesterday the Cowboys are heavily engaged in working on a trade for Thornton.

Realistically, what could NE get for Thornton? A conditional 7th round pick in 2026? A pick swap (like the Cowboys 6th rounder for NE's 7th)? Thornton has been on the trading block for a year+ and has gotten very little consideration.

 

[menobrown]

Not sure this matters to anyone but heard yesterday the Cowboys are heavily engaged in working on a trade for Thornton.

Realistically, what could NE get for Thornton? A conditional 7th round pick in 2026? A pick swap (like the Cowboys 6th rounder for NE's 7th)? Thornton has been on the trading block for a year+ and has gotten very little consideration.

One would think as close to a give away as possible.

 

[Anarchy99]

One would think as close to a give away as possible.

I can say the fanbase is getting antsy. The Pats haven't drafted very well lately, they struggle to bring in free agents, and they can't find people to spend all their cap space on. The sports talk in recent weeks is who they might move in trades, but they don't have a lot to offer up and won't get much in return. What good is accumulating late round picks? IIRC, they have the following picks next draft: 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7, 7. Just what they need . . . another 7th for Thornton.

 

[Faust]

@32BeatWriters
On Javon Baker from @DougKyed:

“He faded once the pads came on. There are still big fans of Javon Baker inside the building, and a source close to him said he had already made a connection with Vrabel.

With Baker, there's really nowhere to go but up, unless he's cut. I think out of all of last year's rookies, the change in regime could be most positive simply because it's a fresh start with a new head coach, offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach.”

reddit.com/r/Patriots/s/n…

https://x.com/32beatwriters/status/1903090128312033644?s=61

 

[rockaction]

7, 7, 7, 7, 7. Just what they need . . . another 7th for Thornton.

You could pick swap one of those sevens and turn it into a 6th. Maybe.

Man, wasn't he a second-round pick?

 

[Anarchy99]

7, 7, 7, 7, 7. Just what they need . . . another 7th for Thornton.

You could pick swap one of those sevens and turn it into a 6th. Maybe.

Man, wasn't he a second-round pick?

Yup

 

[Boston]

@32BeatWriters
On Javon Baker from @DougKyed:

“He faded once the pads came on. There are still big fans of Javon Baker inside the building, and a source close to him said he had already made a connection with Vrabel.

With Baker, there's really nowhere to go but up, unless he's cut. I think out of all of last year's rookies, the change in regime could be most positive simply because it's a fresh start with a new head coach, offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach.”

reddit.com/r/Patriots/s/n…

https://x.com/32beatwriters/status/1903090128312033644?s=61

Kid needs to grow-up...hopefully with Vrabel and McDaniels around that can happen but there really was no reason to use a 4th round pick on him (which was part of that foolish trade when they passed on McConkey).

 

[rockaction]

How did Polk and Baker wear their welcomes out so quickly? Did they not sit down and interview these guys or what?

Don't get me wrong—I can see it happening with any player, but New England seems especially cursed at WR. Lots of reaches and misses on Day Two.